Phase IV Ground Blessing & Threads of Love Tribute Concert

A Solemn & Momentous Blessing for Phase IV . . .

Her Majesty and Frederik Paulsen at the Fall 2026Phase IV Ground Blessing

On September 30, 2025, Her Majesty the Queen Mother Sangay Choden Wangchuck was joined by monks and ceremonial dancers as FRTAB members and international visitors celebrated a momentous ground blessing of “The Elephant,” the final phase of RTA construction.

Part 1 of Phase IV is currently underway and includes a 321-seat world-class performing arts auditorium, rental space for retail shops and offices, and parking for 270 cars. Part 2 will include a 1000-seat state-of-the-art conference center, with construction completed by late 2028 or early 2029.

The commencement of The Elephant phase signifies a major step toward establishing the RTA as a premier hub for cultural heritage, innovation, and international engagement in Bhutan. This final phase will introduce world-class facilities to the RTA complex, transforming it into a vital center for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism.

. . .Followed by a Rousing “Threads of Love” Tribute Concert

A rousing curtain call brings Her Majesty to the stage
with FRTAB leaders and Living Legend weaver Aum Sithar Lhamo

To celebrate the commencement of construction of Phase IV, the RTA presented a special theatrical production, “Threads of Love.” The performance brought stories, songs, and weaving traditions to life on stage. The evening was graced by Her Majesty the Queen Mother Sangay Choden Wangchuck whose vision and dedication continue to inspire the preservation of Bhutan’s cultural heritage.

Threads of Love is more than a performance, it is an integration of art, tradition, and community, blending traditional Bhutanese music, choreography, and vibrant sets to tell a timeless story of love, dedication, and the passage of cultural knowledge through the generations. The central theme explores how the act of weaving is intrinsically linked to Bhutanese identity, family life, and spirituality.

The drama features a spectacular display of authentic, intricately woven Bhutanese textiles, from the revered kushuthara to the everyday kira and gho, showcasing the vibrant colors and complex patterns unique to the Kingdom

A highlight of the evening was the Community Engagement Program, which brought together representatives from six regions of Bhutan. These participants travelled from their homes to share the richness of their traditions through exhibitions and sales.