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.
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| (The First King of Bhutan) |
Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal unified the country in the 16th 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 Wangchuck reunified the country under one rule. He was unanimously chosen as the First Hereditary Monarch of Bhutan. His coronation took place on December 17, 1907.
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| (During the coronation ceremony in 1907, Ugyen Wangchuck is sitting next to the head abbot, Je Khenpo) |
However, the formal celebration of National Day started only later.
The First National Day of Bhutan was celebrated in 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.
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| (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 Royal Body Guards, Royal Bhutan Army presented arms.
His Majesty the King also officially celebrated the 99th National Day in 17 December 2006 as the Fifth King of Bhutan that too at Changlimithang Stadium, Thimphu.
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| (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.
The 112th National Day will be celebrated in Thimphu at Changlingmithang stadium.
I join the Nation in wishing His Majesty Long Life and very peaceful reigns. I also pray for the unending continuity of Wangchuck dynasty.
Wish everyone a very happy 112th National Day.
