The King’s Birth Anniversary is a three-day national celebration that takes place from February 21 to 23. Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the ‘Druk Gyalpo’ or ‘Dragon King’ of the Kingdom of Bhutan, was born on February 21, 1980, and this celebration commemorates his birthday. His leadership has endeared him to the Bhutanese people, and many eagerly participate in the festivities. Who exactly is this Bhutanese Dragon King, and why is his birthday so significant?
The background of Birth Anniversary of His Majesty the King
Wangchuck is the current “Druk Gyalpo” or “Dragon King” of the Bhutanese kingdom. He was born on February 12, 1980, and is the eldest son of Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the fourth Dragon King of Bhutan. In 2006, King Namgyel ascended to the throne when his father, the fourth dragon king, abdicated the throne two years earlier than planned, making him one of the youngest monarchs.
Wangchuck is extremely well-liked by the people of Bhuta and is commonly referred to as the ‘King of the People’ due to his cordial interactions with the populace. He is also popular and well-known in India and Thailand. Before becoming king, he frequently represented Bhutan at numerous public events and international conferences, including the twenty-seventh United Nations General Assembly. In 2006, Wangchuck attended King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s 60th anniversary celebrations. This event solidified his popularity with the general public, especially women. Even the tabloids referred to him as the “Prince Charming of the Himalayas.”
In October 2011, Wangchuck married his longtime girlfriend Jetsun Pema in a small, private ceremony lasting three days in Bhutan. In April 2016, the couple gave birth to a son, making the king a father. They gave him the name Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck, who is now the king’s father.
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BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS MAJESTY THE KING ACTIVITIES
Attend the celebrations and processions.
The best way to commemorate the birthday of His Majesty the King is to experience it for yourself. You will be able to attend massive celebrations and processions throughout the realm.
Drink chang
During this celebration, many locals consume ’emanates,’ a chilli pepper and cheese stew, and ‘chang,’ a local beer, or ‘arra,’ a distilled spirit. You can also sample these celebratory beverages in Bhutan.
Visit Bhutan
Bhutan is a beautiful country located between China and India in the Eastern Himalayas. If you are planning a trip, this is a sign that your next trip should be to Bhutan.
Birth Anniversary of His Majesty the King: 5 FACTS
Wangchuck has one sibling, one half-sibling, four half-sisters, and three half-brothers.
Khesar studied in Andover, Ashburnham, Massachusetts, and Oxford in the United States.
At the twenty-seventh U.N. General Assembly, he spoke about issues pertaining to the welfare of children.
In June 2002, his father presented Khesar with the Red Scarf, a royal tradition.
After his visit to Thailand, the number of Thai tourists to Bhutan steadily increased.
BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS MAJESTY THE KING DATES
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2023 | February 21 | Tuesday |
2024 | February 21 | Wednesday |
2025 | February 21 | Friday |
2026 | February 21 | Saturday |
2027 | February 21 | Sunday |