The History of Coronation in Bhutan

The Kingdom of Bhutan, a small country nestled in the Himalayas, has a unique and culturally-rich tradition of monarch ascension. The coronation of Bhutan’s monarchs has been a grand and significant event in the country,celebrated with great pomp and ceremony.

The First Coronation – Ugyen Wangchuck

The modern monarchy of Bhutan was established in 1907, when Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck was elected as the first Druk Gyalpo (Dragon King). His ascension marked the end of the civil war and ushered in a new era of peace and stability in Bhutan. The coronation ceremony was held on December 17, 1907, in Punakha Dzong, the historic fortress and the former capital of Bhutan.

The ceremony was attended by representatives from all over the country, including noblemen, religious leaders, and prominent citizens. The newly crowned king received the Raven Crown and a sword, symbols of authority and sovereignty, from the head of the clergy, Je Khenpo. He then addressed the people and reaffirmed his commitment to serving the nation and its people.

The Second Coronation – Jigme Wangchuck

After the death of Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck in 1926, he was succeeded by his son, Jigme Wangchuck. He was formally enthroned and crowned as the second Druk Gyalpo on March 5, 1926, in Punakha Dzong. The coronation ceremony was a lavish affair, attended by thousands of people. Jigme Wangchuck was hailed as the “Great Second Buddha” by his subjects and was credited with bringing modernization and development to Bhutan.

The Third Coronation – Jigme Dorji Wangchuck

The third Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, was crowned on May 27, 1952, in Thimphu, the current capital of Bhutan. His coronation was a grand event, attended by dignitaries from neighboring countries and representatives of various religions. He was the first king to introduce democratic reforms in Bhutan, and his reign saw significant milestones in education, health, and infrastructure development.

The Fourth Coronation – Jigme Singye Wangchuck

On June 2, 1974, Jigme Singye Wangchuck was crowned as the fourth Druk Gyalpo. He was just 18 years old at the time, and his coronation was the first televised event in Bhutan’s history. He was known as the “People’s King” and his reign saw Bhutan’s transition to a constitutional monarchy and the adoption of Gross National Happiness as the country’s development philosophy.

The Fifth Coronation – Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck

In 2008, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the eldest son of Jigme Singye Wangchuck, was crowned as the fifth Druk Gyalpo at the Punakha Dzong. The coronation ceremony was a spectacular display of Bhutan’s rich culture and tradition, with a week-long program of celebrations and traditional ceremonies. He has been hailed as a modern and visionary king, promoting democracy, environmental conservation, and cultural preservation in Bhutan.

The Future of Coronation in Bhutan

The traditions and customs of coronation play an important role in preserving Bhutan’s unique cultural heritage. With the peaceful transition of power from one monarch to the next, Bhutan’s coronation tradition will continue to be an enduring symbol of the country’s unity and stability. The next coronation is expected to be in 2025 when the current King, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, will hand over the throne to his son, the Crown Prince Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck.

In Conclusion

The coronation of Bhutan’s monarchs is a testament to the country’s rich history and culture. These grand events have not only showcased Bhutan’s vibrant traditions but also served as a reminder of the strong bond between the monarch and the people. It is a celebration of the past, present, and future of Bhutan and its people.

The Kingdom of Bhutan has a unique and culturally-rich tradition of monarch ascension.

The first coronation of a monarch in Bhutan took place in 1907.

The second coronation was held in 1926, after the death of the first Druk Gyalpo.

The third coronation was in 1952, and saw the introduction of democratic reforms.

The fourth coronation took place in 1974 when Jigme Singye Wangchuck became the King of Bhutan.

The fifth coronation, held in 2008, marked the beginning of the reign of the current monarch, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.

The coronation ceremonies are marked by grand celebrations and traditional ceremonies.

Bhutan’s coronation traditions play an important role in preserving the country’s unique cultural heritage.

The next coronation is expected to be in 2025, when the current King will hand over the throne to his son.

The coronation of Bhutan’s monarchs is a celebration of the country’s past, present, and future.

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