December 12: The second Children and Youth festival began today at Harmony: the Centenary Youth Village in the capital. The Labour and Human Resources Minister, Lyonpo Dorji Wangdi inaugurated the festival.

The festival is part of the Centenary and Coronation celebrations. Teachers and youth from across the country are participating in the festival.

During the three day festival, participants will be engaged in various educative, competitive and fun activities. The activities include debates, quiz, traditional and free style dance competitions, treasure hunt, and photography and disaster management exhibitions.

According to the organizers, the Children and Youth festival is being organized to provide a platform for the youth to showcase their talents. They said the festival will also enable the participants to interact with each other.

Prior to the festival, participants also took part in a two day cultural and religious tour of Paro and Thimphu.

Also present at the opening were the Education Minister Lyonpo Thakur Singh Powdyel, senior government officials and representatives from international agencies.

The festival is organized by the Department of Youth and Sports with financial support form the UNICEF.