Bhutanese annual festival in Launcetson, Australia

Bhutanese in Launceston (Tasmania), Australia are all preparing for a spectacular show of Bhutanese culture, food and dresses next week.

The annual event is organised by the Bhutanese Kirat/Buddhist Association of Tasmania. The event will celebrate the cohesive existence of Christmas, Kirat festival Udhauli, Tamu new year Lhosar and Bhutan’s national day.

This annual event is expected to be the excellent opportunity for Bhutanese to showcase their culture with wider community in Northern Tasmania.

“We’re very new in Launceston so we’d like to introduce ourselves and show our younger generations our culture and identity,” Mr Rai was quoted by local media as saying.

“The Bhutanese government did not allow us to express freedom of ethnicity, culture or religion. We did not come here to dissolve our culture . . . It’s important to introduce ourselves as Bhutanese and welcome everyone,” he said.

The event is also a show of thanks to Launceston’s Migrant Resource Centre volunteers, who have helped the growing community settle and feel welcome.

The event is scheduled for Tuesday (December 17) from 3pm until 5pm near Esk Market and Aurora Stadium, Inveresk.