Kaja Throm

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Thimphu kaja Throm

Kaja Throm is an entertainment-based food and beverages court, managed by Desuups trained in Culinary Arts. Kaja meaning “Command” and Throm meaning “Marketplace”. Therefore, kaja throm is built under the command of His majesty the 5th King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck. The vibrant local market brings together farmers, eateries, local entrepreneurs, and entertainment, showcasing the best offerings from the community for visitors to enjoy. Untill now we have 5 Kaja Throm established across the country. One of them is in Thimphu.

Thimphu's Newest Attraction:

Thimphu Kaja Throm is one of the latest destinations for visitors in Thimphu. Commissioned by His Majesty the King, this beautiful local market brings together farmers, eateries, local entrepreneurs, and entertainment to showcase the best of what locals have to offer. Here’s what you can look forward to during your visit:

A Beautiful Market Place

Kaja Throm is a fun and vibrant market where Desuups have worked tirelessly to make it what it is today. You’ll find them managing some stalls and food stations. The market consists of a long row of wooden stalls, sitting benches, and a stage for entertainment. It's clean and supports local vendors, stretching from the parking lot of the market to the Tourism Council building. The stalls offer a variety of food, including cereals, meat products, and flowers. The covered walkway protects vendors and shoppers from the elements. Art installations along the footpath excite children, and a popcorn station is conveniently located along the pathways.

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A Fun Place for Everyone

Kaja Throm is especially enjoyable for children, who love the dinosaur park and animal installations by the riverside market. Explore the lanes to find these installations, with creatures like the Apatosaurus and Tyrannosaurus Rex. Brief descriptions on plaques provide educational insights. The market also offers extended lanes leading to the riverside, where you can enjoy a walk along with various activities and sights. At the end of the market, a garden park with a café inside offers a serene spot for tea and snacks under gigantic peepal trees by the river.

Food and Drinks

Various stalls run by Desuups trained in cooking and hospitality offer food. An open-air food court with a traditional cloth gazebo, wooden picnic benches, and a small stage for live music in the evenings provides a perfect place to relax after shopping. Near the VAST building, you'll find the Hidden Gayul Garden café, a quaint spot decorated with flowers and filled with artwork. Enjoy coffee or snacks here by the Wangchhu River.

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Kaja Throm in Thimphu

Whether you enjoy exploring local farmers' markets, street food, local music, or art galleries, Kaja Throm is a one-stop destination for all.

Punakha Kaja Throm

The Punakha Kaja Throm at Khuruthang was inaugurated on April 30, 2023, coinciding with the auspicious Zhabdrung Kuchoe day. Situated at the site of the old weekend market in Khuruthang, it is the largest and most picturesque location of its kind. The Foreign Minister, Dr. Tandi Dorji, inaugurated the Kaja Throm in the presence of prominent members of the National Council, members of parliament, and dzongkhag officials.

Initiated upon Royal command, the Kaja Throm was built to provide a vibrant community space for vendors to showcase and sell their produce. Additionally, the Garuda Bar and Café, operated by desuups who have completed training in culinary arts and bartending. The Kaja Throm aims to set an example of business conduct and support for farmers in Punakha, as well as those from the nearby dzongkhags of Wangduephodrang, Tsirang, and Gasa. The throm is also expected to attract visitors. Permanent vendors will be charged a monthly fee of Nu 3,000 by the dzongkhag.

Among its many amenities, the Riverside Café is notable for its expansive views of the Punatshangchhu River, lush green lawn, and wooden seating areas. The site also features figurines of flora and fauna, which have conservation significance and are unique to Bhutan, sponsored by the RSPN.

Among its many amenities, the Riverside Café is notable for its expansive views of the Punatshangchhu River, lush green lawn, and wooden seating areas. The site also features figurines of flora and fauna, which have conservation significance and are unique to Bhutan, sponsored by the RSPN.

Paro Kaja Throm

Inauguration and Location

Paro Kaja Throm was officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Dr. Lotey Tshering and other dignitaries on October 13, 2022. This date holds special significance as it coincides with the 11th Royal Wedding Anniversary. The market is strategically located beside the Ugyen Pelri Palace grounds in Tshongdue, an area known for its cultural importance in Paro.

Royal Initiative and Purpose

The Paro Kaja Throm project was initiated under a Royal Command and stands as a generous gift from His Majesty The King to the people of Paro. The market has been constructed to provide a dynamic community space where vendors can exhibit and sell their produce. This initiative aims to boost the local economy by offering a dedicated area for farmers and small business owners to thrive.

Market Features

The Farmer’s Market within Paro Kaja Throm boasts 147 stalls dedicated to a variety of products including vegetables, fruits, meat, and other local farm produce. Additionally, the market features food and drink stalls to cater to visitors. To enhance the community experience, the site includes a children’s park and an open-air stage for live band performances.

Platform for Skilling and Employment

Beyond being a marketplace, Paro Kaja Throm serves as a platform for the skilling and employment of De-suups, who are volunteers trained in various skills. This initiative promotes the availability of quality food and beverages to the public. The vibrant market environment brings together farmers, eateries, local entrepreneurs, and entertainers, showcasing the community's finest offerings for visitors to enjoy. This comprehensive approach not only enhances the economic landscape of Paro but also fosters community engagement and cultural preservation.

Phuntsholing Kaja Throm

Kaja Throm is an entertainment-based food and beverages court, managed by Desuups trained in Culinary Arts. Kaja meaning “Command” and Throm meaning “Marketplace”. Therefore, kaja throm is built under the command of His majesty the 5th King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck. The vibrant local market brings together farmers, eateries, local entrepreneurs, and entertainment, showcasing the best offerings from the community for visitors to enjoy. Untill now we have 5 Kaja Throm established across the country. One of them is in Phuentsholing above multi-level car parking.

Phuntsholing Kaja Throm, located on the rooftop of the multi-level car parking in Phuntsholing Chukha, was inaugurated by the Dzongdag, Minjur Dorji, on February 17, 2023. The opening ceremony was attended by the Hon’ble Chairperson of the Desuung Skilling Program, members of the DSP Steering Committee, the Thrompon, senior government officials, and businessmen from the border town. Kaja Throm is an entertainment-based food and beverages court, managed by Desuups trained in Culinary Arts. The event featured live music concerts for two nights, including performances by the talented band 'Meraki' from Darjeeling and other incredible Bhutanese artists.

The Phuntsholing Thromdey developed Kaja Throm, while the Desuung Skilling Program (DSP) set up the equipment in the stalls. Initiated upon the Royal Command and as a gift from His Majesty The King to the residents of Phuentsholing, the Kaja Throm aims to make the town an entertainment hub. According to Thrompon Uttar Kumar Rai, the throm offers a lively experience for visitors, with regular live performances at the open-air stage and five food and drinks stalls managed by De-suups from the De-suung Skilling Programme culinary training.

Kaja throm serves as a platform for skilling and employment of De-suups, promoting quality food among the people. As Phuentsholing lacks places for regional and international visitors to hang out, and the throm aims to fill this gap, attracting more regional and foreign tourists. Lok Nath Bhandari, a private employee in Phuentsholing, described the throm as an ideal place for entertainment and gatherings, perfect for spending weekends with family and friends. Sonam Dema, a bar owner, highlighted that the throm, besides being a tourist attraction, could also host musical events, providing a place for residents to relax during leisure time.

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