Copyright businessbhutan
The crisp mountain air of Laya carried not only the chill of autumn but also the warmth of joy, devotion, and reverence as the highlanders once again welcomed His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen, accompanied by Their Royal Highness, Gyalseys and Her Royal Highness, Gyalsem, to their beloved community. For the people of Laya, a royal visit is far more than an event. It is a heartfelt reunion, a sacred connection between the King and his highland children. It is a reminder that even amidst the towering peaks and sweeping winds, the love of Their Majesties reaches every heart. In the words of Lhamo,a resident of Laya, the royal visit is a moment of pure devotion and one which gives her the opportunity to go beyond the kupars, see Their Majesties and offer prayers. “I’m so happy and excited to see Their Majesties. And the sight of the Gyalseys and Gyalsem made the festival very significant this years,” she said. “I wish them long life and pray we can meet again next year.” Rinchen, 68, shared similar sentiments. “Last year, we saw only His Majesty and Gyalsey.This time, we were blessed to see Her Majesty The Queen and Their Royal Highnesses, Gyalsey Ugyen Wangchuck and Gyalsem. It was truly a sacred moment,” she said. Choden, who has met His Majesty several times, said each encounter feels as special as the first. And these are moments that inspire and make her believe in herself. “Every year, it’s an honor to see our King,” she said softly. “His presence inspires us and gives us strength.” Kinley Wangchuk, 25, also spoke along similar lines. “His Majesty’s consistent visits show his deep care for us highlanders. We depend on yaks and cordyceps, and His Majesty’s vision ensures our livelihoods are sustained. We are deeply grateful.” For the younger ones, the memories will linger for years to come. Ngedrup Zam, a Pre Primary (PP) student, could hardly contain her excitement. “I’ve been wanting to see Their Majesties, and today I finally did. It was such a happy and unforgettable moment,” she said, beaming. Eighty-year-old Dawa Yangki echoed the same gratitude. “Different shows are organized every year, and we are so thankful to His Majesty for the selra,” she said. “These occasions bring our community together and it always feels deeply meaningful when His Majesty is here with us.” Similar sentiments were expressed by little Thinley Leki Tshering, an Early Childhood Care and Development (EECD) student, who stood proudly before the gathering. Her voice trembled slightly as she sang a few lines of the Kupar song. Not all the words were perfect, but her spirit was pure and full of joy. “I love my King, and I’m happy to see his smiley face,” she said, with innocent delight. “I couldn’t perform fully, but I was happy to practice. Now I think I know a few more lyrics!” Nearby, Thinley Jamtsho, a Class II student from Laya Middle Secondary School, stretched his arms wide as if to embrace the moment. “Seeing His Majesty The King, Her Majesty The Queen, The Gyalseys, and Gyalsem made me so happy,” he said, with a radiant smile. Meanwhile, Phurba from Neylo, Laya, reflected on how the Royal Highland Festival transformed their lives. “The festival has truly strengthened our livelihoods,” he said. “We depend mostly on yaks and cordyceps, but both are threatened by climate change. His Majesty’s vision gave us new hope — through tourism, homestays, and product sales, we now have alternative sources of income.” Phurba smiled as he shared how his earnings have grown each year. “In the first year, I earned about Nu. 20,000. Now, I make between Nu. 200,000 and Nu. 250,000. His Majesty’s vision was farsighted. It has changed our lives,” he said proudly. This year’s festival saw the largest turnout yet, with both local and international visitors filling the mountain trails and tents of Laya. “It makes us so proud to welcome all the guests and to see Their Majesties with us is our greatest joy,” he added. For the people of Laya, the Royal Highland Festival is not only a celebration of culture and tradition but also a festival of the heart. It is a time to express gratitude, to renew their spirit, and to feel the reassuring presence of their King and Queen. As the golden light faded behind the snow-clad peaks, the highlanders of Laya carried home not just memories, but blessings, the warmth of a royal visit that touched every heart, rekindled every hope, and reminded them once again that the bond between the Crown and the people of Druk Yul is one of love, trust, and destiny. Nidup Lhamo from Laya
