Part 9/12:
One pressing concern is whether modernization might erode Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage. Culinary entrepreneur Sonam Choel reflects on this tension. While her restaurant celebrates traditional Bhutanese recipes, she admits that a wholesale abandonment of cultural identity isn’t feasible. She suggests that growth must be balanced—some adaptation might be necessary, even if it entails losing parts of the cultural fabric.
This balancing act is visible during Bhutan’s vibrant Paro Festival, an important annual celebration filled with song, dance, and communal joy. It exemplifies the country's vibrant cultural life—an unbroken thread connecting generations. Such traditions showcase that Bhutan’s cultural pride remains resilient amidst rapid change.