Coinciding with the birth anniversary of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, the National Day of Happiness was observed in Thimphu yesterday.
Her Majesty the Queen Mother Tshering Pem Wangchuck and Her Royal Highness Princess Kezang Choden Wangchuck graced the event.
Organised by the GNH Centre Bhutan, an international cultural festival themed Expressions of Happiness was held to commemorate the day.
The festival saw participants from China, the US, Bangladesh and India.
The students of Jigme Losel Primary School in Thimphu also took part. They presented about the four pillars of GNH.
The school dedicates an hour every day to teaching the students about the values and principles of GNH.
The students are also taught traditional dance, lozey, astrology and four noble truths among others as part of the school’s GNH program.
“The children are tempted to adopt other cultures. They dress up differently. We are teaching them about Bhutanese identity and importance of preserving it,” Principal Choki Dukpa said.
At the festival yesterday, the students showcased their knowledge about GNH.
“We learned Bhutanese sociology, 12 animal birth signs, driglam choesum, four friends or thuenpa puenzhi, four noble truths and eight fold paths. I liked four noble truths because it helps us to be a better human being,” Yedzin Jigme Wangmo said.
“My favourite activity is Vegetables go to School project. Because vegetables are beneficial to us and also they help us to live by providing air,” Tshering Rigyal Dorji said.
“My favourite GNH pillar is good governance. It is a pillar for happiness because it determines the conditions in which the Bhutanese strive,” Tenzin Pelzang Rigzin said.
The National Day of Happiness was celebrated as a part of GNHC Bhutan’s annual GNH Experience program where the centre organises events on different themes on 11th of November conincidng with the birthday of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyaplo.
The day is aimed at promoting GNH values through dance, music and poetry among others.
