The Global Village Festival of Greater Akron is an event that brings together people from many different countries and cultures.  It takes place at Lock 3 and Lock 4 in Downtown Akron.  The Bhutanese Community Association of Akron sponsored an Information Booth, held a session titled "Silhouettes of Bhutan," and held three performances on the main stage at Lock 3.       

The BCAA Information Booth provided information about:

* where Bhutan is located,

* how the Monarchy's army forced our people out of Bhutan,

* how we got to the United States,

* our culture,

* challenges we face in the United States, and

* how Bhutanese refugees impact the area.   

Bishnu Subba, president of BCAA is on the left and Dil Rimal is on the right. 

Narad Timsino is explaining how the various governmental actions led to the Neapalese people being exiled from
Bhutan.   Mr. Timsino is in the center of the picture and Bishnu Subba, BCAA president, is to this left.

Narad Ghimirey is reading from the account he prepared of the several government initiatives to intimidate and threaten the Nepalese citizens of southern Bhutan.  Mr. Ghimirey also describes his person experience in the exile to Nepal refugee camps. 

Everyone felt the cold air and stiff wind of the day.  It was cold!
Some of the vendors did not show up because of the weather.
Note the unused vendor booth behind Kailash...

A religious dance was performed by four men on the Lock 3 stage.

This Nepali girl performed a traditional dance.

The Druk Fusion Band delights listeners into dancing.

By participating in the Global Village Festival, the officers of BCAA are trying to help people in the greater Akron community learn about Bhutanese/Nepalese refugees while the refugees learn how things work in the United States. 

Pictures were taken by Terry Kuhn, Keith Metropulos, and Kailash Ghimirey.