His Majesty The King, in a profound Address to the Nation on 11 November 2015, said:
Today, we come together as a nation to celebrate a special day of national pride and jubilation, which will be hallowed in the memory of all Bhutanese as a day where our past, present and future converge– an occasion to reflect on our past achievements, take stock of our present responsibilities, and pledge our efforts in planning for our bright future.
On this truly special day, the 60th Birthday of His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth King of Bhutan, thousands of Bhutanese gathered at the Changlimithang ground in an expression of unending gratitude to an extraordinary King.
This is a collection of pictures from the celebrations.
Part I
An endless queue of people waiting at Chang Lam, outside the Changlimithang Stadium, to get into the historic stadium to be part of yet another historic day in Bhutan.
The stadium is full, with people across the country here in a colourful, expectant crowd.
The Changlimithang Stadium has been the venue of some of our most historic events– it is a place for people to come together as a nation, and celebrate being Bhutanese.
A community police volunteer responsible for helping manage the enormous crowd, holds on to a balloon specially made for the celebrations of the 60th Birth Anniversary of His Majesty Drukgyal Zhipa.
Offerings for the ceremonies to begin this most auspicious celebration await the most holy coming together of a people and their Kings.
A woman holds on to a booklet containing the lyrics for the Zhabtoen- prayers for longevity, for His Majesty the Fourth King.
Royal Body Guard personnel wait solemnly, ready for their own part in this historic celebration.
A senior citizen is part of the enormous crowd at the Changlimithang Stadium gathered to express boundless gratitude to their King of Prophecy.
Long Live His Majesty. Bhutan celebrates the 60th Birthday of an extraordinary Monarch.
The Royal Bhutan Army, Royal Bhutan Police, Royal Body Guards, DeSuung, and Scouts of Bhutan are proudly represented in the field.
The moment is here! Monks escort His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo of Bhutan, in a chipdrel procession.
A sacred moment.
The National Flag, and flags of the Armed Forces and DeSuung are raised.
The entire country- those in the stadium, and those celebrating elsewhere, or watching the events at home, feel a part of the tremendous moment of togetherness.
Our Beloved Kings
The nation is one in this celebration- with pride and joy.
A truly momentous occasion
The Prime Minister performs the sacred Marchhang ceremony.
Members of the clergy and public with various roles to play during the celebrations on the ground.
Performers are part of the crowd listening intently to His Majesty’s Address.
His Majesty’s touching and profound tribute to His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo.
A most joyous announcement is part of the Royal Address– Bhutan looks forward to the birth of the Royal Heir!
The people burst into applause on receiving this most euphoric news.
The entire stadium is brimming with euphoria.
Senior Officials from the government and Armed Forces sing the Zhabten for His Majesty the Fourth King.
An occasion that will be hallowed in the memory of all Bhutanese as a day where our past, present and future converge.
Women sing the Zhabten for the eternal wellbeing of His Majesty the Fourth King.
Monks lead the zhabten prayers for the longevity of His Majesty Drukgyal Zhipa. The special prayers were composed by His Holiness Je Khenpo.
Members of the Royal Family sing the Zhabten, along with the monks, government officials, armed force personnel, and the entire people of Bhutan- those at the stadium and those watching at home, or celebrating in the other dzongkhags.
The celebrations at Changlimithang were broadcast live on television, and streamed online, enabling those across the world to participate in this most massive coming together of a grateful nation offerings prayers for their King of Prophecy.
A Translation of the Zhabten can be found here: http://www.kuenselonline.com/zhabten-for-his-majesty-the-fourth-druk-gyalpo-a-translation/
Their Majesties the Queen Mothers, and Their Royal Highnesses Princesses sing the Zhabten for our beloved Drukgyal Zhipa.
Members of parliament, and government officials offer prayers.
Contributors
Royal Office for Media
Volunteer Photographers:
Kelzang Dorjee
Jigme Thinley
Lhendup
Pema Bazar
Karma Jigme
Pranit Katwal
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