COVID-19 pandemic did not deter Bhutanese from celebrating 113th National Day
Thousands of Bhutanese listened to the Royal Address and viewed the ceremony and National Day entertainment programme through live telecast.
On 17th December 2020, instead of the usual public gatherings, Bhutanese celebrated the National Day from home. His Majesty The King Addressed the Nation from the historic Punakha Dzong. Thousands of Bhutanese listened to the Royal Address and viewed the ceremony and National Day entertainment programme through live telecast. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the event was only attended by those who were part of the event.
Amongst the programme include chipdrel possession (a ceremonial procession of welcome for an honoured guest), marching parade, performances, prayers offering, award ceremony and the King's address. His Majesty issued Royal Decree for a Civil Service Reforms also announced that a Royal Decree to reform the quality of education will be issued.
Below are some of the highlights of the national day event.
Amongst the programme include chipdrel possession (a ceremonial procession of welcome for an honoured guest), marching parade, performances, prayers offering, award ceremony and the King's address. His Majesty issued Royal Decree for a Civil Service Reforms also announced that a Royal Decree to reform the quality of education will be issued.
Below are some of the highlights of the national day event.
Monks perform Serdrang, to herald the arrival of His Majesty The King to the Punakha Dzong.
Part of the retinue of the Chipdrel Procession to receive HIs Majesty The King. The Chipdrel is a traditional part of every important ceremony, intended to purify the path taken by the honoured person.
A white stallion leads the Chipdrel procession, signifying good omen.
The participants of the Guard of Honour prepare for their part in the event.
The contingents for the Guard of Honour enter the dzong.
The Guard of Honour on the 113th National Day was presented by contingents from the Royal Bhutan Police, Royal Bhutan Army, Royal Bodyguards, and Desuups.
Led by Punakha Dzongrab, dzongkhag officials sing during the Bjipai Pawo- the dance of hereos, performed to sanctify the venue of an important event.
The people of Punakha present a performance for the 113th National Day.
The performance related the story of Bhutan, and how exceptional leadership since the time of Zhabdrung has safeguarded the country.
His Majesty The King Addressed the Nation from the Punthang Dewachenpoi Phodrang Dzong this National Day.
His Majesty The King, His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, and His Holiness the Je Khenpo receive the Guard of Honour.
Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen with Their Royal Highnesses Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel and Gyalsey Ugyen Wangchuck.
The National Flag is offered to His Majesty The King, to invoke victory over all the negative forces, and increases fortune and luck for the people, during the Marchang Ceremony.
Their Majesties and Their Royal Highnesses Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel and Gyalsey Ugyen Wangchuck arrive at the Punakha Dzong accompanied by the Chipdrel Procession for the National Day celebrations.
His Royal Highness Prince Ugyen Jigme Wangchuck, on DeSuup duty at the Punakha Dzong, salutes His Majesty.
His Majesty The King and His Royal Highness Gyalsey Ugyen Wangchuck at the Punakha Dzong.
His Majesty The King, HIs Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, and His Holiness the Je Khenpo with Her Majesty the Royal Grandmother.
His Majesty The King with His Holiness the Je Khenpo at the Dochhey of the Punakha Dzong.
Their Majesties Gyalyum Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, Gyalyum Tseyring Pem Wangchuck, and Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck at the entrace of the Punakha Dzong.
Her Majesty Gyalyum Tshering Yangdoen Wangchuck.
Her Majesty Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck.
Their Royal Highnesses Princess Kesang Choden Wangchuck and Princess Eeuphelma Choden Wangchuck.
Their Royal Highnesses Princess Chimi Yangzom Wangchuck and Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck.
Her Majesty the Royal Grandmother and Ashi Tashi Dorji.
His Royal Highness The Gyalsey with His Holiness the Je Khenpo.
Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen and His Royal Highness Gyalsey Ugyen Wangchuck with senior members of the clergy- (R-L) the Dorji Lopen, Tshokyi Lopen, Laytshog Lopen, Tsugla Lopen, Yonten Lopen, Machen Zimpon, Tse Zimpon, and the Kudrung of Punakha Dzong.
His Majesty The King with the representatives from the Ministry of Health. The Druk Thuksey Medal recognising an institution was awarded to the Ministry of Health in recognition of its extraordinary services to the nation during the COVID-19 Pandemic. With its dedicated efforts, the Ministry has successfully carried out its duties to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Bhutan.
His Majesty The King with the representatives of the DeSuung fraternity. The Druk Thuksey Medal recognising an institution has been awarded to DeSuups in recognition of its extraordinary contributions to the nation during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Innumerable DeSuups have placed themselves as frontliners, and supported the armed forces and other agencies working to secure our borders and serve the people during the pandemic.
His Majesty The King with Dasho Sonam Topgay, the Chief Election Commissioner, and Chairperson of the Southern COVID-19 Task Force, who was conferred the Red Scarf today.
His Majesty The King also Conferred the Red Scarf to Dasho Pem Chewang, the Secretary of the National Land Commission, and Chairperson of the Eastern COVID-19 Task Force.
His Majesty with Lyonpo Dasho Dechen Wangmo, who received the Red Scarf from His Majesty The King on the 113th National Day, n appreciation of the capable manner in which she performed her duties to safeguard the nation against COVID-19.
His Majesty The King Conferred the Lungmar Scarf to the Prime Minister, Lyonchen Dasho Dr. Lotay Tshering.
The rank of the bearer will determine the colours of the ceremonial scarves that he or she wears.
The rank of the bearer will determine the colours of the ceremonial scarves that he or she wears.
DeSuups as representatives of the entire fraternity received the Druk Thuksey Medal.
Monks recite prayers during the ceremony to offer Ku Sung Thuk Ten Mendrel to His Majesty The King.
Ku Sung Thuk Ten Mendrel are ritual offerings symbolizing the entire universe according to Buddhist cosmology.
The 113th National Day concluded with the traditional Buelwa Offering from the representatives of the people of Bhutan to His Majesty. The offerings are an expression of love and devotion.
May the beautiful Kingdom enjoy continued peace, prosperity and progression.
"Palden Drukpa Gyalo!" (Victory to Bhutan!)
May the beautiful Kingdom enjoy continued peace, prosperity and progression.
"Palden Drukpa Gyalo!" (Victory to Bhutan!)
