Though the final applause has faded and the festival tents have come down, the echoes of this year’s Drukyul’s Literature and Arts Festival continue to reverberate through Bhutan’s vibrant literary scene. The 2025 edition of Bhutan Echoes not only showcased a rich tapestry of artistic and literary expression but also marked a significant moment for Bhutanese voices rising in prominence.
Among the ten books launched at the festival, seven were penned by Bhutanese authors—a promising sign of a nation increasingly telling its own stories. From memoirs and history to poetry and democracy, the diversity of themes reflected the evolving depth of Bhutan’s literary heritage.
A standout moment was the launch of Telling Me My Stories, the latest work by literary pioneer Kunzang Choden. Revered as the first Bhutanese woman to write a novel in English, Choden’s new book is a deeply personal mosaic of memories from her childhood in Ogyen Choling.
“The fragments are what my stories are,” she said during her launch event. “It has been years that I have been collecting the fragments of my life together.”
Choden was also honored with the inaugural Bhutan Echoes Legacy Award for Literature, a moment she described as the spark that reignited her passion to write. “Her Majesty’s recognition gave me the push I needed to finally bring those scattered pieces together.”
Another memorable highlight was Walking My Destiny: A Bhutanese Woman’s Story by business trailblazer Phub Zam, a testament to resilience and ambition. “Every year I watched Bhutan Echoes come and go while my book remained incomplete,” Zam shared. “To finally launch it here is a dream realized.”
The festival also provided a stage for Needrup Zangpo, who unveiled his latest work Drukpa Kuenley: The Sacred Tales of the Mad Monk. He emphasized the importance of the festival as a platform for local authors: “Bhutan Echoes allows us to bring our work not just to Bhutanese readers but to a broader, international audience.”
Beyond the authors, the festival touched a chord with attendees of all ages. Student Depankar Baraily from Lungtenzampa MSS expressed how the event sparked a newfound interest in reading. “Seeing Bhutanese authors share their journeys really inspired me,” he said. “It made me want to read more.”
Festivalgoer Karan Bir Urao found the experience transformative. “As someone passionate about poetry and photography, the panel discussions and artistic exchanges gave me fresh perspectives,” he reflected. “It was a space for connection and reflection.”
Looking ahead, Bhutan Echoes will broaden its impact even further. Beginning next year, the festival will introduce two prestigious awards: the Jigme Singye Wangchuck Prize in Literature and the Jigme Singye Wangchuck Prize in Arts. These accolades will recognize transformative works by Asian artists, reinforcing the festival’s standing as one of the continent’s premier cultural events.
As Bhutan Echoes continues to grow, so too does its mission: to amplify local voices, ignite cross-cultural dialogue, and celebrate the timeless power of storytelling. And if this year’s edition is any indication, the future of Bhutanese literature is not just bright—it’s luminous.
