Thimphu is all set to host the 112th National Day on December 17. This year’s National Day will be celebrating the unique culture of Bhutan, according to the National Day Coordination Committee.
The day is also to pay tribute to the past, present and future Kings in presence of His Majesty the Fourth King, His Majesty The King, and His Royal Highness the Gyalsey and rejoice the peace and harmony in the country.
“Many of us do not know about our country’s culture. We do not know that the peace and prosperity we have is because of the uniqueness of our country. In terms of our culture and tradition, we want the people to understand that uniqueness. We want people to be proud of who they are and what they have,” said Dasho Sherub Gyeltshen, the Home Minister and the Chairperson of the committee.
The Lyonpo added that sitting arrangements have been made to accommodate around 21,000 people this year. The gates to the celebration ground will open at 6 am and the public have to be seated by 8.15 am. Each person will get a goody bag containing a Miniature Bhutan flag, Lottery, edible items and a batch. Also, a laser light show will be held in the evening. For the main day, Chang lam will be closed for vehicles.
Meanwhile, as part of the main day celebrations, build-up programmes at the centenary coronation park will begin from tomorrow. The food festival at the park will showcase live demonstrations of different food from all the 20 Dzongkhags like Ashom Thukpa from Trashi Yangtse, Orayto from Mongar and Mangay from Wangdue Phodrang. The three-day food festival is organised by the Trongsa Peonlop Thuendrel Club.
There are also replicas of Bhutan’s unique landmark such as Druk Wangyal Chorten, Paro Ta Dzong, Paro Taktsang, and Wangdue Phodrang Dzong at the park. The day marks the historical event of the country’s unification under one leader and hereditary monarch Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck, the first king of Bhutan. Therefore, the programme will also see some of the rare pictures and videos of the monarchs.
Samten Dolkar
