The football ground in Samtse was turned into a celebration ground for the 111th National Day festivity. Excited to be part of the big day, the people started to trickle into the ground as early as 1 in the morning. At the crack of dawn, a sea of people has gathered, adding excitement and colour to the already festive mood.
The crowd grew bigger as the day began. Close to 30,000 people, almost 10,000 more than the expected number, thronged the ground.
As His Majesty The King, Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen and His Royal Highness The Gyalsey were escorted to the celebration ground in traditional chipdrel procession, it was a moment the people have been yearning for.
But the best was yet to come.
When His Royal Highness The Gyalsey performed Chhawang to greet His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, all hearts melted.
The moment, captured live on TV, went viral seconds later on social media.
The National Day is always a special day for every Bhutanese. The 111th National Day celebration was even more special. The celebration was graced not just by His Majesty but also His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo and His Holiness the Je Khenpo.
Addressing the nation, His Majesty The King said the National Day is the most important national event. “The presence of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo makes today even more special,” His Majesty said.
“This year, His Holiness the Je Khenpo is also among us, so this is truly auspicious celebration- illustrative of harmony and kinship that exists among our people.”
His Majesty added the National Day celebrations are special because they provide an occasion for all Bhutanese to recall and reflect on the sacrifices made by the forefathers in building the precious nation of Bhutan and to rededicate ourselves to the service of the Tsa-Wa-Sum.
His Majesty said his National Day prayers for the country remain the same.
“May the sun of peace continue to shine forever upon Palden Drukpa-Guru Rinpoche’s Baeyul, blessed by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo. May each year always be better than the last and may the people of Bhutan enjoy happiness and prosperity for all times to come.”
The Members of the Royal Family, Prime Minister, Opposition Leader, Members of Parliament and senior government officials joined the celebrations.
Among the highlights was a helicopter flying above the celebration ground carrying the national flag and another strewing flowers from the sky onto the ground.
The celebration this time also featured new programmes such as the Thuenpa Puenzhi or the Four Friends’ dance symbolizing unity and affection, and the Strong Women competition.
Various other cultural programmes, including those that are native to the people of Samtse, and performances by the members of the Bhutanese film fraternity, entertained the crowd.
“I am happy I got a chance to be part of the historic event and get a glimpse of their Majesties,” Padma Maya from Samtse said.
“I never thought I would be able to get a glimpse of their Majesties and His Holiness the Je Khenpo together. I couldn’t ask for more,” Narad Moni said.
“I came all the way from Chhukha hoping to see Their Majesties. I am happy that I did,” Sonam Yuden said.
As the celebrations ended with Tashi Labay and the crowd left the ground, they did so with prayers and hope for more such joyous celebrations in the future and continued peace and prosperity in the country under the enlightened reign of the Wangchuck Dynasty.
