FEBRUARY 24 - MARCH 1, 2008
TEXTILE WEEK IN BHUTAN

Exotic Destinations, a tour agency in Bhutan, has alerted the Society to a week-long course that the Royal Textile Museum will offer from February 24 - March 1, 2008. A description of the program, prepared by Exotic Destinations follows. Details of costs and the proposed schedule are in the attachments. Members who would like more information about the trip can contact: Chencho Wangdi, Exotic Destinations Thimphu - Phone:
+975-327405/327406, Cell: +975-17600332.

For the first time ever, visitors to Bhutan can learn the Bhutanese art of weaving. The Royal Textile acadamy will conduct a weel long course from the 24th February to 1st March 2008, teaching the participants to weave and produce renowned Bhutanese traditional garments. Besides instructions on practical weaving, the program will feature specialized talks: age old textiles exibition; exhibition on Thirteen Arts and Crafts of the country, catwalks by aspiring models; meditations and traditional ceremonies. During the program, which will be held at the five star Zhiwa Ling Hotel, Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuk will personally host the welcome dinner at the hotel for the participants, preceded by traditional welcoming procession.

The Royal Textile Academy was instituted in May 2005 under the patronage of Her Majesty Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck.

Regarding the speakers, probable speakers would be Mr. Singay Dorji, Director of Textile Museum, Ms. Tshering Uden Penjor, Curator of Textile Museum, Dasho Sangay Wangchuk, former Sercretary of Culture. The Textile acadamy is planning to invite some experts from abroad too.

The program is not all lectures and presentations. The intentiton is to provide some hands on experience and a complete idea of the Textile Art- right from dyeing to loom preparation to the finished product. So most of the time its going to be practical guided weaving sessions.

Other than that, the intention is also to showcase the best of our Bhutanese tradition and culture. There will be traditional ceremonies, cultural programs and visits to historically important sites within Paro and Thimphu.

This is also an opportunity to dine with Her Majesty the Queen and Her Majesty has kindly consented to host the Welcome dinner for the participants and also consented to request a Royal Family member to grace the closing.

So do not miss this rare opportunity and send in your reservation as soon as possible to secure the necessary reservations.

This information is provided for the information of the members of the Thai Textile Society. This trip is not an oficial event of the Society, and members who are interested in participating in the trip are responsible for making their arrangements directly with Exotic Destinations.