The Bhutanese Leading the way.
Her Majesty Gyalyum Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck will grace the opening of the 3rd Edition of the Haa Spring Festival 2026, which will be held from 7 to 9 April at the HSF Ground in Yangthang, Haa, bringing together heritage, tourism and community celebration in one of the country’s most distinctive festival settings.
According to the Haa Dzongdag, the three-day festival is designed to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage, customs and highland lifestyle of Haa while further strengthening the dzongkhag’s position as a unique tourism destination.
A key highlight of this year’s event will be a 30-minute theatrical drama depicting the life of Ap Chundu, the protecting deity of Haa, which will be presented publicly on stage for the first time.
As per the Dzongdag, the performance seeks to celebrate and preserve the rich oral traditions, stories and beliefs of Haa, ensuring they continue to inspire future generations.
This year’s edition carries added significance with Her Majesty attending as the Chief Guest during the inaugural ceremony scheduled for the morning of 7th April.
The festival program will feature cultural performances unique to the gewogs of Haa, including the Shanga ritual by Bji Gewog, the traditional Lolay culture showcase, Choede Jana Zhey, Chundue Gongzhey, Sherpa and Rai dances, and the exhibition of Zhugay culture.
The three-day event will also include community competitions and public entertainment such as pillow fight, women’s tug of war, school cultural competitions, a 15-kilometre marathon along Haa’s panorama trail, and the traditional Woucha competition among gewogs.
Each evening will conclude with a major entertainment program featuring some of the country’s leading singers and artists.
Beyond cultural preservation, the festival is also aimed at generating sustainable economic opportunities for local communities through stalls, exhibitions of agricultural and livestock products, souvenirs, bamboo products and upcycled waste crafts.
Visitors will also be able to experience Haa’s natural attractions, including rhododendron gardens, Nublang cattle, yak and Bhutanese mastiff displays, fly-fishing explorations, as well as yak and horse-riding activities.
The festival also comes as Haa steps up its tourism branding under the theme “Haa-Lay Mi Lay”, aligned with the national tourism brand “Bhutan Believe.”
Officials said the event is expected to build on Haa’s growing international recognition, including its feature in BBC Travel’s 25 Best Places to Visit in 2025, and help translate that visibility into responsible visitor arrivals and local economic gains.
The festival, which traces its origin to 2010 as the Haa Summer Festival, has evolved over the years in both scope and purpose.
Initially introduced to promote tourism products and showcase the cultural identity and pristine natural environment of Haa, it has now grown into an important platform for cultural preservation, tourism promotion and community development.
The shift from the earlier summer festival format to the spring edition was made for both strategic and practical reasons.
According to the dzongkhag, the monsoon season had previously affected accessibility and visitor turnout, while spring offers clearer weather and the added attraction of blooming rhododendrons, enhancing the scenic appeal of Haa.
