18-year-old King Jigme Singye Wangchuck was crowned as the 4th Dragon King of Bhutan in the Tashichho Dzong in Thimpu on this day in 1974, 50 years ago, creating the happiest nation in Asia during his 34-year reign.
The Coronation Ceremony of His Majesty King Jigme Singye Wangchuck was held on June 2, 1974. Today, in tribute to His Majesty’s visionary initiatives to conserve the rich environmental wealth of Bhutan, this day is celebrated as Social Forestry Day. Due to the farsighted policies of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, Bhutan remains committed to keep for all time, more than 60 percent of our country under forest cover. More than half our forests are protected areas, allowing the rich flora and fauna of the Himalayas to flourish here. Even as Climate Change becomes a growing global issue, Bhutan remains carbon-negative. Our national achievements in conservation and stewardship of the environment, are just one among the numerous legacies of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, bequeathed to a fortunate people.
On this day, we join the people of Bhutan in offering our gratitude and tribute to our beloved Drukgyal Zhipa. May the rays of His Majesty’s benevolence, wisdom, and guidance forever shine upon the people of Bhutan
The Coronation ceremony of His Majesty King Jigme Singye Wangchuck was held on June 2, 1974, when His Majesty was just 18 years old. His Majesty’s Golden Reign has given us all the blessings we enjoy as Bhutanese today- peace, security, and well-being.
June 2nd is now celebrated as Social Forestry Day, in honour of His Majesty’s prescient environmentalism, which has led to Bhutan becoming a forerunner in conservation.”
“His Majesty assumed the mantle and responsibilities of Kingship at the age of 16, when ordinary people are still growing up. By the age of 51, when most people are still striving to achieve their lifelong goals, His Majesty, at the height of his golden reign, abdicated the Throne after having already accomplished prodigious feats. Where ordinary people crave wealth and power, His Majesty crowned a new King, introduced democracy and handed over the responsibility of governance to his people. Such an act of superlative altruism was unprecedented in the history of the world.
In all his actions His Majesty was a farsighted visionary, a benefactor of his people, whose strategies for the country demonstrated impeccable clarity of thought and whose realization of national objectives bespoke of unassailable determination and excellent statesmanship.
This is why we revere His Majesty as the Father of the Nation.
Newly crowned King Jigme Singye Wangchuk sits on a bed-like throne. In front of him are a pile of ‘khatas’, long white silk scarves presented by well-wishers as a sign of respect. Facing him is a table on which presents are displayed
Newly crowned King Jigme Singye Wangchuk of Bhutan and his mother, the Queen Ashi Kesang.
The Queen Mother of Bhutan, Her Royal Highness Ashi Kesang, the princesses and other members of the royal family arrive at Tashichodzong Palace in Thimphu for the coronation of King Jigme Singye Wangchuk.
His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuk (on left) in an archery contest with His Highness Palden Thondup Namgyal, the Chogyal of Sikkim. Himalayan pilgrimage book
Specially trained lay-dancers leap into the air at the climax of their dance during the coronation ceremonies of King Jigme Singye Wangchuk held at Tashichodzong castle in the captial of Bhutan, Thimphu
The great courtyard at Tashichodzong Castle, Thimphu where food is being laid out on an ornate table and ceremonial dances are being performed in honour of His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuk’s coronation.
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