Bhutan’s Department of Tourism (DoT) has confirmed that the Drukyul’s Literature Festival by Bhutan Echoes will be held from 4th to 6th August 2023 in the capital Thimphu. The annual literature festival, organized independently by Bhutan Echoes, a literature and arts initiative, aims to celebrate works of literature and arts by Bhutanese and international authors, thinkers, artists and influencers, and promote Bhutanese literature, culture and arts to the world. Every year it draws an assemblage of reputable writers, thought-leaders, artists and change-makers from Bhutan and around the world. It is an inclusive and diverse international event that is free and open to all.
This year, the 12th edition of the literature festival will take place in the Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) auditorium in the capital Thimphu. The theme of this year’s festival is ‘Reconnecting and Reviving’, an apt concept at a time when we long to find our way in a world that has changed so much. The festival will feature more than 35 in-person sessions and programs that celebrate the diverse fields of literature, arts and culture. Visitors will get wonderful opportunities to experience evocative sights and sounds, stunning art exhibitions, music performances, interactive workshops, open mic nights, poetry readings, film screenings and more.
The Drukyul’s Literature Festival not only provides a space to discuss great stories and diverse ideas, but is also a forum to explore the issues that we face in this new reality after the pandemic. From the changing trends of travel and the need for human and community connection to the state of the environment, economy and wellbeing, there will be something for everyone.
This year’s exciting speaker lineup includes Professor Toby Walsh (Laureate fellow, and professor of artificial intelligence at the UNSW), Benjamin Flouw (Author and illustrator of The Golden Glow), Jean-Marc Rochette (Creator/artist and illustrator of The Snowpiercer), among others. The festival will feature esteemed speakers and new voices from India, Nepal, East Asia, Europe, and the US.
“Drukyul’s Literature Festival by Bhutan Echoes is an annual literary festival that brings together acclaimed speakers, thinkers, authors and artists from Bhutan and around the world to motivate pertinent conversations, and have immersive experiences of Bhutan’s culture, art and natural beauty. It’s a place to learn, share, reflect, connect and reimagine ourselves and the world around us through books, storytelling, art, culture and music,” concluded Dorji Dhradhul, the Director General of the Department of Tourism.
