The "Happy Chinese New Year" 2025 Bhutan Session, co-organized by the Embassy of China in India, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China, and the Ministry of Home Affairs of the Royal Government of Bhutan, and performed by a cultural troupe from Xizang Autonomous Region of China, took place on March 18th and 19th in Thimphu. Members of the Bhutan's Royal Family, the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Minister of Home Affairs, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and other representatives from various sectors of Bhutan attended the event. More than 400 audience attended the performances.
In the opening address of the first performance on March 18th, Ambassador Xu Feihong extended greetings for the Losar to the Bhutanese people, reviewed the history of friendly exchanges between China and Bhutan, and applauded Bhutan's achievements in modernization. Ambassador Xu stated, "China and Bhutan are connected by mountains and rivers, sharing a bond of friendship across generations. China attaches great importance to developing good-neighborly and friendly relations with Bhutan and is willing to work together to sustain traditional friendship, enhance exchanges and cooperation, and better benefit the peoples of both countries."
In the welcoming address, Mr. Sonam Wangyel, Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, remarked, "The 'Happy Chinese New Year' event serves as a cultural bridge and bond of friendship between Bhutan and China, deeply cherished by the Bhutanese people. We look forward to broader cultural exchanges and stronger ties of friendship between our two nations."
The performances highlighted festive joy and cultural mutual learning. The event commenced with the traditional Tibetan opera Ngongbadon, conveying holiday blessings to the Bhutanese audience. Other programs included Bhutanese favorites such as Dui Xie, Xie Qing, and Garlu. Particularly, The Melody of the Herdsmen, rich in details of nomadic life, drew continuous applause from the audience and brought the show to a climactic finale.
Following the first performance on March 18th, Ambassador Xu Feihong hosted a reception attended by representatives from the Royal Government of Bhutan, the National Assembly, and other sectors.