23 July 2008 - His Majesty the Druk Gyalpo will don the Raven Crown and formally assume the embodiment of the Supreme Protector.

In Buddhist history, the King was called the Protector Of The People, The Great Elected One, The Upholder Of The Law. In contemporary Bhutan, His Majesty will be the protector of the nation’s security, the guardian of the Constitution, and the inspiration for Gross National Happiness.

His Majesty will receive the sacred dhar of empowerment from the machhen of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in the inner sanctum of the Punakha Dzong at an auspicious date.

The nation will celebrate the enthronement in Thimphu on November 6, the eighth day of the ninth month of the earth male rat year, when the people will have the opportunity to offer the tashi khaddar to the Druk Gyalpo.

This will be followed by another two days of celebrations at the Changlimithang stadium. On November 7 there will be diverse entertainment programmes from every corner of the kingdom. On November 8 it will be a programme of games and entertainment including spectators.

The prime minister, Lyonchhen Jigmi Y Thinley, announced that three enlightened astrologers had studied the stars to select the most auspicious dates and His Majesty the King had granted his approval. This was announced yesterday at Tashichhodzong amidst a special gathering that represented all sections of Bhutanese society.

The transition, according to the prime minister, symbolised the continuity of enlightened guidance from the Golden Throne. “We, the Bhutanese, are indeed a truly blessed people,” he said. “We look forward to the celebrations of the Coronation, an event that will ensure the continued unity, harmony, and peace in our kingdom, usher in a new era that will further enhance our socio-economic prosperity, reinsure our political stability and reinforce our constitutional democracy. It will be an event that will radiate the creation of more opportunities for our people to pursue happiness through the goal of Gross National Happiness.”

The Coronation brings the year-long celebrations of 2008 to a peak.