DAWA ZANGMO | Thimphu
The nation celebrated the 70th Birth Anniversary of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck on 11 November, a historic occasion that aligned with Lhabab Duechen, symbolizing the Buddha’s descent from heaven to earth.
The dual significance drew tens of thousands to Changlimithang Stadium, where His Majesty The King addressed the nation and led the country in paying tribute to the Fourth Druk Gyalpo.
More than 27,000 people filled the stands, with many arriving the night before to secure a place for the celebration.
The Royal Family, government officials, ambassadors, international guests, and eminent Buddhist masters from around the world gathered alongside the Bhutanese public, reflecting unity and devotion across the nation.
In his national address, His Majesty expressed deep joy that the country had assembled to honor His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck.
“We gather to express our everlasting gratitude and to pray for His Majesty’s wellbeing on this auspicious 70th Birth Anniversary,” His Majesty said.
His Majesty paid tribute to His Late Majesty the Third Druk Gyalpo Jigme Dorji Wangchuck and Her Majesty Yum Kesang Choeden Wangchuck, recognizing their blessing in giving Bhutan its “King of Destiny.”
He described the Fourth Druk Gyalpo as a gift bestowed by the protective deities of Bhutan.
His Majesty acknowledged the monastic body led by the Je Khenpo for their continuous prayers, and thanked the government and people of Bhutan for serving His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo with unwavering loyalty during his reign.
The presence of distinguished rinpoches and Buddhist masters for the Global Peace Prayer Festival, His Majesty said, brought additional spiritual weight to the occasion.
“For Bhutanese, His Majesty King Jigme Singye Wangchuck is our pride, our hero, and our inspiration,” His Majesty said, reaffirming the nation’s gratitude and Bhutan’s continued support for their noble religious work.
His Majesty highlighted the profound character of the Bhutanese people, describing their values integrity, loyalty, trust, and responsibility as the soul of the nation.
These virtues, His Majesty added, are rooted in centuries of blessings, prayers, and the courage of ancestors who built and protected Bhutan.
Turning to the legacy of the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, His Majesty said Bhutan’s transformation would not have been possible without his visionary leadership.
His Majesty recalled that the Fourth Druk Gyalpo assumed the throne at just sixteen in a landlocked and underdeveloped nation. Yet His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo guided Bhutan with clarity, enacted laws for the wellbeing of the people, implemented practical policies, and safeguarded sovereignty with wisdom and foresight.
His Majesty commended the Fourth Druk Gyalpo for pioneering the philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH) and for empowering citizens, ultimately steering the country toward constitutional monarchy and democracy in 2008.
“A great statesman, warrior, and teacher, His Majesty embodies the qualities of Rigsum Gonpo,” His Majesty said.
Speaking personally, His Majesty shared timeless lessons taught by the Fourth Druk Gyalpo commitment to nation and people, safeguarding sovereignty, upholding the Dharma, nurturing national identity, preserving heritage, fostering unity, rejecting complacency, strengthening people through education and reading, instilling values in children, maintaining the nation’s reputation, establishing strong systems and laws, and adapting to changing times.
Turning to the present, His Majesty said the Fourth Druk Gyalpo recognizes Bhutan’s vulnerabilities but remains proud of the Bhutanese people, especially the youth. Their determination and devotion, he said, embody the strength that ensures Bhutan’s bright future.
As the ceremony unfolded, citizens who gathered at Changlimithang shared their own reflections on the day.
“To be here on His Majesty’s 70th Birth Anniversary feels like witnessing history,” said Pema Dorji, a 44-year-old from Drugyel, Paro.
Pema said His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo shaped Bhutan into the peaceful country we live in today. “Being here is my way of expressing gratitude.”
Sonam Choden, a student of Institute of Science of Mind, Semtokha, Thimphu, who arrived at the stadium before dawn, said the celebration reminded her of the unity of the Bhutanese people.
“We came from different parts of the country, but today we stand together as one family. His Majesty’s leadership continues to guide our generation,” she said.
Foreign guests also observed the event with admiration.
“The devotion and respect the Bhutanese have for their King is extraordinary. It is inspiring to see such unity,” said Tai chung from China, a visiting scholar attending the Global Peace Prayer Festival.
For many youths, the day was an affirmation of national pride.
“Growing up, we always heard about His Majesty’s sacrifices and vision,” said Thinley Phuntsho, 21 years old, from Wangdue. “Today I finally felt the emotion behind those stories.”
As the celebrations came to a close, His Majesty The King reflected on the auspicious alignment of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo’s 70th Birth Anniversary with Lhabab Duechen.
He noted that the next such alignment would occur on His Majesty’s 100th Birth Anniversary.
“May we be blessed to celebrate that day with the same pride, reverence, and happiness,” His Majesty said.
