The National Day of Bhutan is the most significant holiday that is
celebrated on December 17 throughout the country.
It commemorates the coronation of the first Druk Gyalpo Sir Ugyen
Wangchuck of modern Bhutan.
(First Druk
Gyalpo Sir Ugyen Wangchuck)
Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal unified the country in the 17th century.
Unfortunately after his death, the country gradually disintegrated in regions
and many self proclaimed regional leaders cropped up which brought unending
civil wars leading to continued suffering to the people. People lived in fears
and hardships.
By the grace of god, in the beginning of 20th century Ugyen Wangchuk
reunified the country under one rule. He was then unanimously chosen as the
First Hereditary Monarch of Bhutan. His coronation took place on 17th December
1907.
The formal celebration of this important day as National Day started
only after 64 years in line with system of celebrating National Day like other
countries.
The First National Day of Bhutan was celebrated in the year
1971 which is officially the 64th National Day of Bhutan. The celebration took
place in Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu. The then Crown Prince His Royal
Highness Jigme Singye Wangchuck was the chief Guest.
(His
Majesty the Fourth King the then the Crown Prince celebrated officially
the First National Day (64th National Day) in 1971 at Changlimithang,
Thimphu)
As per Kuensel December 19, 1971,
Vol. VI No. 17, His Royal Highness unfurled the National Flag and the entire
gathering sang the National Anthem of Bhutan. His Royal Highness took salute as
the men of the the Royal Body Guards, Royal Bhutan Army presented arms.
His Majesty the
Fourth Druk Gyalpo continued celebration of our National Day and the event
became one of the important occasion in the Kingdom.
(His Majesty The Fourth Druk Gyalpo)
His Majesty also officially celebrated
the 99th National Day in 17 December 2006 as the Fifth King of Bhutan that too
at Changlimithang Stadium, Thimphu.
(His Majesty celebrated the 99th National Day as his first
official National Day celebration as King in the year 2006 in Thimphu)
To make the occasion more significance,
His Majesty has introduced awarding of medals and Red Scarfs.
Today the National Day is one of most
celebrated and watched programmed in the country.Tomorrow the 111th National Day will be
celebrated in Samtse Dzongkhag.
I as humble citizen join the Nation in wishing His Majesty Long Life
and very peaceful reigns. I also pray for the unending continuity of peace and
prosperity under the guidance of the Wangchuck dynasty.
Wish all a very HAPPY 111th National Day.
