Minister Norbu leads Bhutanese cultural team to Seychelles tourism festival

Minister of Economics Affairs Norbu Wangchuk will be leading a Bhutanese cultural delegation to the island country Seychelles to participate in the 2014 edition of the annual Carnaval International de Victoria on the invitation of the government of Seychelles.

The 2014 edition of Carnaval International de Victoria is jointly co-hosted by Seychelles, La Reunion, Madagascar, Mayotte, and South Africa’s KwaZulu Natal province. The festival will see some 20 cultural troupes from different countries coming together to showcase their respective cultures.

The event is part of the efforts to enhance tourism industry in that part of the world.

This is the first time Bhutan will participate in this festival. Bhutan has said the delegation will be in Seychelles to show Bhutanese culture and tradition to the many international visitors.

The Kingdom of Bhutan will showcase Joenpalegso during the opening session of the carnival to feature the beginning of a joyous occasion to welcome the distinguished guests in good health. With this dance, dancers wish the blessings of Heaven would fall on the Earth and let there be peace on Earth, along with the Ngaging the mask dance and drum beat to subdue evil spirits.

During the Carnival Parade, visitors will witness the dance of exotic nomadic tribe Merak & Sakteng – Amochilay by the nomadic tribe in eastern Bhutan to appease their local deity to bring harmony, and the Tashi Labey to wish everyone to meet again in good health. The colourful and cheerful folk and mask dances will be performed to celebrate the Carnival and wish everyone, not just those who are present at the Carnival, but everyone on the Earth to be happy.