Preparations are in full swing in Bumthang as the district gears up to host the 118th National Day. With just six days remaining, officials, volunteers, and residents are working around the clock to ensure the historic event unfolds smoothly at the Wangduechhoeling Palace ground.
Trongsa Penlop Jigme Namgyel, the unifier of Bhutan and father of the First Druk Gyalpo, built the Wangduechhoeling Palace in 1857.
It served as the main royal residence and the centre of national power for the first three hereditary monarchs of the Wangchuck Dynasty.
History records that the palace once hosted major annual fairs. Now, they will host another grand event, the 118th National Day.
The palace, now functioning as a museum, has taken on a new look. Hundreds of De-suups, police personnel, army officers, monks, and local volunteers are on site. They are building key structures and arranging seating for more than 30,000 people.
Most preparations for the celebration are nearing completion.
Bumthang Dzongrab Passang Dorji said,“Everything has been going well so far. Our preparations began at Yotongla, between Trongsa and Bumthang, where we built a ceremonial gate. Now we are working here at Wangduechhoeling Palace ground. Since the main structure is very important, we worked diligently and completed it in one month and 24 days. Almost everything is ready.”
Students and performers from across the district are conducting intensive rehearsals for the cultural programmes. Many residents expressed excitement and pride as the District prepares to host one of the nation’s most important events.
Rigzin Lhadon, a student of Jakar Higher Secondary School in Bumthang said, “This year, as Bumthang celebrates the 118th National Day, we feel incredibly fortunate. The students and the people of Bumthang are excited and happy, especially because we have the honour of performing in front of His Majesty The King and the Royal Family.”
““I am very happy and excited. This is the first time something like this is happening here in our lifetime. The district administration supported us generously by providing free transport and meals,” said Kinzang, a dancer from Chhoekhor Gewog.
“We feel very fortunate, as opportunities like this may not come again. We are extremely excited and eagerly waiting for the day. Today, I came to watch the dances, and I will definitely be there on National Day. I would like to wish His Majesty The King, the Royal Family, the people of Bhutan, and our youth a very happy National Day,” said Nidup, a resident of Tang Gewog.
Bumthang will continue with the final touches in the coming days, as the district eagerly looks forward to the celebration.
Namgay Wangdi
Edited by Sangay Chezom
