Her Majesty Queen Mother Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck graced the opening of the 19th Tarayana Annual Fair at Coronation Park in Thimphu, joined by members of the Royal Family in a celebration of rural empowerment and community spirit.
In commemoration of Her Majesty’s 70th birthday, the event saw the unveiling of a new pictorial book titled The Walking Queen, authored by documentary photographer and former Gewog Administrative Officer Yeshi Zangpo. This beautifully curated volume pays tribute to the Queen Mother’s tireless work across Bhutan, presenting a series of evocative photographs that chronicle lives transformed and communities uplifted under her guidance.
As founding president of the Tarayana Foundation, Her Majesty has overseen the expansion of its outreach to more than 1,000 villages nationwide. At the fair, she reflected on this growth, noting that “our field officers live and work with the people, making their lives better. We recently employed 29 dedicated field workers who live among the communities, understand their needs, and consult closely with them. Tarayana is fully committed to serving every Bhutanese in rural areas who requires our support.”
In recognition of unwavering dedication, Her Majesty presented certificates of acknowledgement to twelve senior Tarayana employees, each having devoted over a decade of service to the foundation’s mission.
Held under the theme “Celebrating Rural Prosperity: Strengthening Community, Sustaining Future,” this year’s fair showcased a vibrant array of locally produced goods. Visitors wandered among stalls offering traditional wines and delectable regional cuisines, while artisans displayed finely woven bamboo crafts, hand-embroidered textiles, and other bespoke products from across the kingdom.
By blending cultural pride with a steadfast commitment to rural development, the 19th Tarayana Annual Fair once again underscored the enduring impact of community-led progress—and the enduring legacy of Her Majesty Queen Mother Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck’s vision for a thriving, inclusive Bhutan.
