Lungta—the “Wind Horse” carries our vitality, luck, and prayers across the mountain passes through the fluttering of prayers flags.
In the Bhutanese lunar calendar, 2026 is the Year of the Male Fire Horse, hence the name of the Festival.
Beyond the Gallery: Meet the Creators
At Breathe Bhutan, we believe that art is a bridge. As our guest, your experience of the Lungta Art Festival goes far beyond a walk through a gallery. We invite you to:
- Meet the Artists: We arrange private sessions with the creators, share a drink and hear the stories behind the canvas.
- Invest in the Future: One of the most powerful ways to support Bhutan’s cultural evolution is by investing in its artists. Whether it’s a small sketch or a major contemporary piece, bringing a work of art home provides direct support to the local creative community and keeps the “Wind Horse” of Bhutanese talent flying high.
The 2026 Festival Calendar: A Three-Phase Journey
Phase 1: UNVEIL (February – April)
- February 21, 2026 | The Grand Launch: A massive group exhibition at VAST Bhutan featuring over 60 contemporary artists, celebrating the Birth Anniversary of His Majesty the King.
- March 20–25, 2026 | Xylographic Woodblock Workshop: Join master artisans to learn the meditative craft of woodblock printing on traditional Lungta flags.
- April 7, 2026 | Solo Exhibition: Asha Kama: A definitive show featuring new works by the man who transformed the Bhutanese canvas.
Phase 2: UNTANGLE (May – August)
- May 2–8, 2026 | Bio-degradable Lungta Workshop: Help design the future of spirituality using natural fibers and botanical dyes that return safely to the earth.
- June 4, 2026 | “Her Expression” Exhibition: A curated showcase highlighting the rising power of Bhutan’s women artists.
- August 8–9, 2026 | The Great Untangling at Chelela Pass: A powerful community ritual. Join artists at 3,988 meters to respectfully remove old, synthetic flags, restoring the “Life Energy” of the sacred mountains.
Phase 3: UNLEASH (September – November)
- September 14–24, 2026 | Lungta Art Exchange: A residency program where international guest artists collaborate with Bhutanese masters.
- September 21–23, 2026 | Sacred Transformations: During the Thimphu Tshechu, the capital city becomes an open-air gallery with large-scale art installations.
- November 11–20, 2026 | “My Magical Wind Horse” Workshop: Create your own personalized prayer flag, distilling your personal journey into a visual mantra.
