The people on either side of the Indo-Bhutan border have been on close terms since ages and it is expected that the first ever Indo-Bhutan Friendship Mela would strengthen the age old ties among the citizens of the two neighbouring countries. Senior government officials of Bodoland Territorial Council and Bhutan took part in the opening and closing ceremonies of the Mela which was held at Subankhata, Baska district under Bodoland Territorial Council. Exhibitions,ethnic foods,folk dance and traditional fashion shows were some of the highlights of the mela. Representatives of Haryana,West Bengal, Jammu & Kasmir and Uttar Pradesh also participated in the exhibition.