King’s Birthday in Bhutan ― Date, History, and Details
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History of King’s Birthday in Bhutan and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
Bhutan celebrates King’s Birthday on November 14th each year. The holiday commemorates the birth of the fourth king of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. He was born in 1955 and ascended to the throne in 1972. He abdicated in 2006 in favor of his son, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.
The holiday is celebrated with much fanfare in Bhutan. There are parades and processions throughout the country. In the capital city of Thimphu, a large portrait of the king is displayed and people offer prayers for his long life. The day is also a time for people to reflect on the king’s many accomplishments. He is credited with modernizing Bhutan and bringing it into the global community. Under his leadership, Bhutan became a member of the United Nations and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation. He also helped to preserve Bhutan’s unique culture and traditions.