Queens will play host to a vibrant celebration of Bhutan’s 117th National Day this Saturday, as more than 500 members of the Bhutanese community gather to honor their heritage. Organized by the United Bhutanese Association in New York (UBANY), the annual event has become a cornerstone for Bhutanese expatriates seeking to maintain their cultural ties while residing in the United States.
“Since Tuesday is a regular workday, we’ve chosen weekends to ensure maximum participation,” explained Ulap Leki, president of UBANY. “This allows our community members to join in the festivities without conflicting with their professional commitments.”
Founded in 2012, UBANY has been instrumental in nurturing a sense of belonging among Bhutanese living in the U.S. The association orchestrates a variety of events throughout the year, including the National Day, celebrations for the birth anniversary of His Majesty The King, Losar (the Bhutanese New Year), and Zhabdrung Kuchoe. These gatherings aim to preserve Bhutanese traditions and instill cultural values in the younger generation.
“Our programs are designed to teach Bhutanese etiquette to children and youth who were born and raised in the United States,” Leki added. Currently, the Bhutanese youth population in the U.S. numbers around 300, making these initiatives particularly significant for cultural continuity.
The National Day celebration will feature a lineup of cultural performances, including traditional dances and songs, alongside the Bhutanese national anthem. Additionally, presentations highlighting Bhutan’s burgeoning tourism sector are set to showcase the country’s unique attractions to attendees. Karma, an official from Bhutan’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, highlighted, “This year’s event will not only celebrate our rich cultural heritage but also present Bhutan’s potential as a tourism destination.”
A highlight of the evening will be a lottery draw offering substantial cash prizes, adding an element of excitement to the festivities. The event, which has an estimated expenditure of over $30,000, is generously supported by the Permanent Mission of Bhutan to the UN, underscoring the importance placed on engaging the diaspora community.
Distinguished guests, including Bhutan’s ambassador to the United Nations, dignitaries from various UN member states, senior UN officials, and other notable figures, are expected to attend the celebration, reflecting the international significance of the event.
Among the attendees is Kinga Kinley Tshering, a 34-year-old student, who shared his sentiments about celebrating National Day abroad. “It feels a little unusual celebrating on a different day, but it is heartening to see the community come together,” Tshering remarked. “I watched His Majesty’s Royal Address online at the Changlimithang yesterday and realized Bhutan is poised to transform into an economic hub through the Gelephu Mindfulness City.”
Ulap Leki concluded, “National Day is a time to celebrate Bhutan’s rich heritage and pay tribute to the legacy of our great monarchs. We are grateful for the support from Bhutan’s Permanent Mission, which enables us to bring our community together in such meaningful ways.”
As the Bhutanese community in Queens comes together to celebrate their nation’s heritage, the event serves as a testament to the enduring bonds that tie expatriates to their homeland, fostering unity and cultural pride far from home.
