Bhutan’s age-old textile traditions have taken a leap onto the world stage after two remote weaving communities officially joined the Mountain Partnership Products (MPP) Initiative. Artisans of Yathra in Dorji Bi, Bumthang, and Kishuthara in Goenpa Kabab, Lhuentse, now hold the key to international markets, thanks to their recent registration under the global scheme.
From May 22 to 24, eighteen women weavers gathered in Bumthang for an intensive capacity-building workshop designed to prepare their handcrafted textiles for export. Over three days, participants honed skills in quality control, design adaptation for global tastes, and packaging standards. Sessions were led by specialists in sustainable textile marketing, who emphasized the balance between preserving traditional motifs and meeting modern consumer expectations.
“These techniques have been passed down for generations,” explained Karma Choden, a master Yathra weaver. “But until now, we lacked the channels to share our heritage beyond Bhutan’s borders. The training has given us both the confidence and the know-how to present our work on an international stage.”
Under the MPP banner—an alliance of mountain communities and UN agencies aimed at promoting sustainable development—the registration grants artisans access to promotional platforms, trade fairs, and fair-trade certification support. Organizers believe this exposure could significantly boost household incomes and strengthen community cohesion in these high-altitude villages.
“The integration into MPP is more than a market opportunity; it’s a revitalization of local identity,” said Tashi Dorji, coordinator for rural enterprise at the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests. “By connecting our weavers with global buyers who appreciate eco-friendly, handcrafted products, we’re creating a sustainable pathway for rural livelihoods.”
Looking ahead, participants plan to collaborate on new design collections that reflect both Bhutanese cultural narratives and contemporary trends. The first joint showcase is slated for October at the Himalayan Handicraft Expo in New Delhi—a platform that could herald a new era for Bhutan’s textile artisans on the global craft circuit.
