His Majesty The King granted Dassain tikka and blessings to representatives of the Hindu community gathered at the Lingkana Palace yesterday. The representatives were led by Information and Communications Minister DN Dhungyel and Home Minister Dawa Gyaltshen.
Dassain, (which is also known as Dusshera) is the most important of Hindu festivals, celebrated by billions of Hindus across the world. The festival occurs on the tenth day of the Hindu lunar calendar, following prayer ceremonies dedicated to goddess Durga.
The Durga Puja was held at the Lingkana palace, conducted by priests from the Hindu Dharma Samudaya. His Majesty offered prayers along with Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen and His Royal Highness The Gyalsey at the ceremony.
Pandit Narayan Sigtel, who led the prayer ceremony, said that the puja is conducted for the peace and wellbeing of the country and people. “To receive tikka from parents and elders on Dassain is considered a mark of great fortune, as it signifies the conferring of invaluable blessing and protection,” said Narayan Sigtel. “The King is believed to embody Vishnu, the protector deity, and for the people of Bhutan, His Majesty is also a father figure. The tradition of receiving tikka from His Majesty The King is therefore, supremely auspicious– symbolic of His Majesty’s continued blessing and protection over the people.”
According to Hindu scriptures, Ram, who is exemplified as a divine King and a reincarnation of Vishnu, is said to have offered prayers to goddess Durga, before defeating the demon Ravana on the tenth day. Dassain celebrates this victory of good over evil.
His Majesty granted traditional Dassain lunch to the representatives after the tikka ceremony. The occasion also marked His Royal Highness The Gyalsey’s first celebration of Dassain.
