AGP Executive Report

Cultural Revival: Wangdue Phodrang’s Sha Festival is spotlighting the Sha-Gi-Locho ritual, archery dance and local products, while a new song in the fading Olep dialect aims to keep the language alive. Children’s Health: A Health Ministry-UNICEF report says child stunting has fallen, but overweight among 5-to-19-year-olds has tripled to 18% as diets change; it calls for coordinated action across health, education and agriculture. Food and Climate: A global food systems summit held in Bhutan explored how mindfulness could reshape food policy, arguing that current systems remain disconnected from farmers, nature and wellbeing. Mountain Challenge: Seventeen Bhutanese and international runners are preparing for the 185-kilometre Snowman Race, crossing rugged terrain above 5,000 metres; one returning athlete hopes to draw attention to climate change in the Himalayas. Heritage at Risk: Nearly three months after part of an ancestral house in Punakha collapsed, its owners say restoration has yet to begin, and a neighbour fears the supports could damage her home. Highland Traditions: The Jomolhari Mountain Festival has launched a sustainability plan and seed funding to support community ownership, local livelihoods and snow leopard conservation. Textile and Art: Thimphu’s Royal Textile Academy has opened exhibitions pairing contemporary takes on Bhutanese weaving with students’ artwork inspired by the Fourth Druk Gyalpo.

Living Traditions: Trongsa’s Monpa community is working to preserve the Kulungma Osa tradition, keeping a distinctive part of Bhutan’s cultural heritage alive. Textiles and Art: Thimphu’s Royal Textile Academy has opened exhibitions pairing contemporary takes on Bhutanese weaving with student paintings inspired by the legacy of the Fourth Druk Gyalpo. Highland Heritage: The Jomolhari Mountain Festival has launched a sustainability plan, backed by Nu 1 million in seed funding, to strengthen community ownership while celebrating local songs, dances, games and products. Arts Education: Bhutan and Japan are partnering to promote arts education in schools.

Highland Heritage: The 12th Jomolhari Mountain Festival celebrated highland songs, dances and traditions while unveiling a sustainability plan backed by Nu. 1 million in seed funding. The plan aims to strengthen community ownership and create lasting local opportunities. Textile Traditions: Two exhibitions at Thimphu’s Royal Textile Academy pair artist Sangay Choden’s contemporary take on Bhutanese weaving with students’ interpretations of the Fourth Druk Gyalpo’s legacy. Arts and Education: Bhutan and Japan are partnering to bring arts education into schools, while BFF Academy’s first Class VIII Cambridge Checkpoint exams mark a new academic milestone for the football-focused school. On the Regional Stage: Bhutan is among 11 countries set to compete in the inaugural Eurovision Asia, with the live final scheduled for Bangkok on November 14. Health: Bhutan’s cancer registry recorded 3,172 new cases and 1,461 deaths from 2019 to 2022, highlighting the need for prevention, early detection and stronger patient support.

Health: Bhutan’s cancer registry recorded 3,172 new cases and 1,461 deaths from 2019 to 2022, renewing calls for prevention, early detection and stronger support for patients and families. Highland Heritage: The 12th Jomolhari Mountain Festival brought communities together to share songs, dances, games and local products, while launching a sustainability plan backed by Nu. 1 million in seed funding. Arts and Textiles: Thimphu’s Royal Textile Academy opened exhibitions pairing contemporary takes on Bhutanese weaving with student artwork reflecting the legacy of the Fourth Druk Gyalpo. Education: BFF Academy’s first Class VIII students sat Cambridge Checkpoint exams, marking a new academic pathway alongside the school’s football training. Bhutan on Stage: Bhutan is among 11 countries set to compete in the inaugural Eurovision Asia, with the grand final scheduled for Bangkok on November 14.

Mountain Heritage: The 12th Jomolhari Mountain Festival opened in Soe Gewog with songs, dances, games and local products celebrating highland life. A new sustainability plan and Nu 1 million in seed funding aim to secure the festival’s future and create lasting opportunities for local communities. Textile and Art: Thimphu’s Royal Textile Academy opened two exhibitions: Beyond the Weave, exploring contemporary uses of Bhutanese textile techniques, and Yabsay, with students’ artistic interpretations of the Fourth Druk Gyalpo’s life and legacy. Education: BFF Academy’s first Class VIII students sat the Cambridge Checkpoint Mathematics exam, a milestone after the academy introduced the curriculum this year. Living Tradition: Trongsa’s Monpa community is working to keep Kulungma Osa—a traditional nettle-fibre dress—alive, as fewer young people wear it. Youth Connections: Bhutanese representatives joined peers from five South Asian countries in New Delhi to discuss youth leadership, rights and cultural exchange.

Bhutan on the Eurovision Stage: Bhutan is among 11 countries set to compete in the first Eurovision Asia final, airing live from Bangkok on November 14. Keeping Monpa Heritage Alive: In Trongsa, community members are working to revive Kulungma Osa, a traditional nettle-fibre dress that fewer young people wear. Bhutan-Japan Arts Links: As the countries mark 40 years of diplomatic ties, local partners are exploring exchanges in arts education, youth development and community projects. Heritage Recognition: Bhutan retained its Best Leading Heritage Destination title at the 2026 South Asian Travel Awards, alongside 10 honours for hotels and hospitality leaders. Mental Well-being: A call to make mental health a national priority urges Bhutan to pair its GNH vision with compassionate support and less stigma around seeking help.

Living Heritage: Trongsa’s Monpa community is working to revive Kulungma Osa, a traditional nettle-fibre dress now worn by few young people. Residents hope to keep the custom alive by wearing it at celebrations. Responsible Tourism: Mizoram’s tourism minister says the state hopes to follow Bhutan’s model, attracting high-value, sensitive visitors while studying tourism’s impact on local society. Community Innovation: Bhutan is setting up its first flow-through aquaponics prototype in Haa, combining rainbow trout farming with soilless crop production. Arts Education: Bhutan and Japan are marking 40 years of ties with plans to expand teacher exchanges and arts education in schools. Heritage Recognition: Bhutan received 11 South Asian Travel Awards, retaining Best Leading Heritage Destination for a second year.**

Sustainable Living: Bhutan plans its first flow-through aquaponics prototype in Haa, pairing rainbow trout farming with soilless crop production to reuse water and nutrients. Heritage Tourism: The country won 11 honours at the 2026 South Asian Travel Awards, retaining its Best Leading Heritage Destination title for a second year. Arts Education: Bhutan and Japan are marking 40 years of ties with plans to deepen community partnerships, including exchanges to strengthen arts education in schools. Well-being: A lack of specialists in old-age psychiatry is drawing concern as Bhutan’s ageing population grows; older patients made up 13% of psychiatry visits at JDWNRH in 2025. Child Protection: Public anger over nine-year sentences for six men convicted of raping a minor has prompted the Prime Minister to say possible Penal Code amendments could be discussed. Religious Heritage: Police have linked 18 suspects to 35 cases of chorten vandalism and lhakhang burglaries across five dzongkhags, with cases sent to the Attorney General.

Heritage Tourism: Bhutan won 11 South Asian Travel Awards, retaining Best Leading Heritage Destination for a second year; seven local hotels and hospitality figures also received honours. Bhutan–Japan Ties: A 40th-anniversary symposium in Thimphu renewed plans for community exchanges, including arts education, youth development and traditional handmade paper. Gelephu Gathering: Around 84,000 people have registered for the November 1 raising of 108 Jangchub Chortens, with preparations under way for visitors from Bhutan and abroad. Language and Learning: Educators say many students struggle with Dzongkha pronunciation and spelling, citing limited use at home and challenges in how the language is taught. Sacred Heritage: Police linked 18 suspects to 35 chorten vandalism and monastery burglary cases across five dzongkhags; the cases have been forwarded to the Attorney General. Women in Leadership: Chang Gup Sonam Zangmo, the first woman among eight gewogs coordinating the Punakha Dromchoe, says community trust has shaped her 15 years in local service. Child Protection: Public criticism of nine-year sentences for six men convicted of raping a minor has prompted the Prime Minister to say lawmakers could consider tougher penalties.

Bhutan–India Ties: A Thimphu seminar explored stronger trade and connectivity with Northeast India, alongside cooperation in education, tourism, healthcare and technology. Youth Well-being: Bhutan’s OnMyMind campaign recorded a 16% rise in children contacting support services, while advocates say mental health must be central to the country’s pursuit of happiness. Arts Education: Bhutan and Japan are partnering to promote arts education in schools. Living Heritage: Gelephu is preparing to welcome around 100,000 people for the November 1 raising of 108 Jangchub Chortens. Tourism: Bhutan won Best Leading Heritage Destination for the second year running at the South Asian Travel Awards, with hotels and resorts earning 10 more awards. Language and Leadership: Educators say many students struggle with Dzongkha pronunciation and spelling; Chang Gup Sonam Zangmo, the first woman Gup among eight gewogs linked to the Punakha Dromchoe, reflects growing female leadership in local life.

Arts Education: A new Bhutan–Japan partnership aims to bring more arts education into schools. Youth Wellbeing: Bhutan’s OnMyMind campaign found a 16% rise in children contacting support services, while many young people said they were unsure when to seek help. Dzongkha: Educators say students continue to struggle with pronunciation and spelling, citing home and school language environments and teaching methods. Cultural Tourism: Bhutan earned 11 honours at the South Asian Travel Awards, including Best Leading Heritage Destination for the second year running. Religious Heritage: Gelephu is preparing for up to 100,000 visitors at the November 1 raising of 108 Jangchub Chortens; more than 84,000 had registered by October 8. Three stolen phurbas have also been recovered and returned to Thadra Goenpa.

Buddhist Heritage: A Kathmandu conference of the International Gurung Buddhism Council brought together Gurung Buddhist leaders to promote their community’s traditions, language and institutions. Its Bhutan-born founder, Dr. Kumar Gurung, has roots in a Nepali-speaking Gurung family. Dzongkha Learning: Educators say many students struggle with pronunciation and spelling, and are examining how home and school language environments shape confidence in the national language. Gelephu Gathering: Around 84,000 people had registered by October 8 for the November 1 raising of 108 Jangchub Chortens; preparations are under way for accommodation, transport and public safety. Youth Wellbeing: Bhutan’s OnMyMind campaign reported a 16 per cent rise in children contacting PEMA support services, alongside greater awareness of stress among adolescents. Cultural Tourism: Bhutan won Best Leading Heritage Destination for the second year running at the South Asian Travel Awards, while seven participating hotels and resorts collected 10 awards. Religious Facilities: Detailed design for Thimphu’s proposed Hongtsho crematorium is due in 2026–27, with plans being shaped around cultural and religious needs.

Dzongkha Learning: Educators say many students struggle with pronunciation and spelling, citing the influence of home languages, English exposure and teaching methods. The issue was discussed at a national seminar on Buddhist and traditional education in Paro. Gelephu Gathering: About 84,000 people have registered for the November 1 raising of 108 Jangchub Chortens, with preparations underway to host up to 100,000 visitors. Temporary campsites and other accommodation are being arranged. Religious Heritage: Detailed design work for Thimphu’s planned Hongtsho crematorium is due to finish in 2026–27, after consultations on cultural and religious needs; the Mithrup temple at the site is also being renovated. Youth Wellbeing: Bhutan’s OnMyMind campaign reported a 16 per cent rise in children contacting support services. A survey of adolescents and caregivers found most respondents under 20 could identify signs of stress. Heritage Tourism: Bhutan retained the South Asian Travel Awards’ Best Leading Heritage Destination title, while seven hotels and resorts received 10 awards across heritage, eco-friendly and other categories.

108 Chortens: Gelephu expects around 100,000 visitors for the November 1 ceremony, with 84,000 registered by October 8. Temporary camps, homestays and public facilities are being prepared for the large gathering. Youth Wellbeing: Bhutan’s OnMyMind campaign recorded a 16% rise in children contacting support services, while a survey found that 69.1% of respondents under 20 could identify signs of stress. Tourism and Heritage: Bhutan won Best Leading Heritage Destination at the South Asian Travel Awards for the second year running; seven Bhutanese hotels and resorts collected 10 awards. Cultural Facilities: Design work for the planned Nu 600 million Hongtsho crematorium is due to finish in 2026–27, after consultations on its cultural and religious requirements.

Heritage Tourism: Bhutan was named South Asia’s Leading Heritage Destination for a second consecutive year at the South Asian Travel Awards. Seven Bhutanese hotels and resorts won 10 awards, putting the country’s heritage and hospitality in the regional spotlight. Youth Wellbeing: A Thimphu campaign to help young people recognise stress was linked to a 16% rise in children contacting the PEMA Secretariat for support. Its survey of adolescents and caregivers found most respondents under 20 could identify signs of stress. Religious Gathering: Gelephu is preparing for around 100,000 visitors for the raising of 108 Jangchub Chorten on November 1, with hotels and guesthouses reporting strong demand. Bhutanese Arts Abroad: Bhutanese performers are among the international artists set to join Rajasthan’s folk festival at Mehrangarh Fort, October 22–26, sharing the bill with traditional musicians from around the world. Changing Gender Roles: Cordyceps income is reshaping gender roles in Lunana, highlighting how livelihoods are influencing life in Bhutan’s highland communities.

Study Plans: New Australian rules barring most international students from bringing family are prompting Bhutanese applicants to postpone or cancel plans, with consultancies reporting more interest in other destinations. Gelephu’s 108 Stupas: The town expects around 100,000 people for the November 1 raising of 108 Jangchub Chorten; many hotels are already fully booked, and residents are opening their homes to visitors. Living Heritage: Three stolen phurbas have been recovered and returned to Thadra Goenpa, restoring important religious objects to the monastery. Culture and Community: Cordyceps earnings are reshaping gender roles in Lunana, while a cricket coaching programme is expanding to monastic institutions. Thimphu Life: A local-style city guide highlights morning yoga at Buddha Point, walks to Changangkha Lhakhang and Bhutanese food.