8 November, 2008 - I have always loved my Kings. I have revered and admired them for what they did for our country and our people. I know my respect for them will never alter. My devotion for my Kings will only strengthen with time. If I were asked why, I’d give all the reasons in the world, perhaps obvious ones.

However, today, as I ventured with assignments to cover the Coronation ceremonies and celebrations in Punakha and Thimphu, a realisation struck and my world of reason failed to justify the very essence of my adoration of the King.

Having been born Bhutanese, grown up in a Bhutanese society and studied in Bhutanese schools, an idea to worship our Kings was imbued in me. The portraits of our Kings hung on the walls of my home and classrooms only reiterated my conviction that they deserved our love and respect because they were doing or had done everything to give us a comfortable life. I sang national anthems and songs that praised our Kings.

However, my opportunity to extensively cover coronation events was an experience and lesson, that probed deep into my heart teaching me values I would have never acquired elsewhere.

The sacred Dar ceremony in Punakha began and, along with many others, I waited in the courtyard of the Machhen Lhakhang inside the dzong, where His Majesty was to receive the Dar Na Nga, symbolically conferred by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

The Dar, I was told, was more than 100 years old and was the same Dar worn by the first King Ugyen Wangchuck. What was it that the five-coloured scarves possessed that had the quality to empower a person, I asked myself.

The moment His Majesty stepped outside, clad with white, yellow, red, green, and blue scarves, I felt a surge of an unnatural force, an energy that could only be interpreted as divine and powerful. Yet His Majesty’s grace as he glided towards the Kuenra only projected loving kindness to people around him.

This week, as Bhutanese witnessed a historic moment when His Majesty wore the Raven Crown amidst deeply spiritual ambience, I saw a nation and its people being handed over to the person who, beyond doubt, would promote further unity, harmony and peace in the country.

This only answered why people rushed to catch a glimpse of His Majesty when he passed by, why people left all their work without a second thought, walked for long hours and waited from dawn to be a part of the occasion. This only explained why tears streamed down eyes the moment His Majesty touched people or brought irrepressible smiles when His Majesty spoke to them.

As thousands of people from all walks of life lined the road to receive His Majesty on his way back to Thimphu, more than the flowers and offerings they held in their hands, it was the smile on their faces that showed a clear indication of feeling enlightened.

For them, His Majesty was a personification of stability and security. People from all corners of the country remain assured that there was one person, who would do anything to take good care of them. For them, His Majesty was someone who represented their identity and, more importantly, their existence.

And, as another thousands gathered with the gift of a white scarf in Thimphu on Thursday, it meant a “once in a lifetime opportunity” for each of them. As for me, when I walked out after offering my gift to the King, a whole new chapter opened for me - an episode of deep understanding and realisation of why I loved my King.