On December 17th each year, Bhutan's capital becomes lively with celebrations of its National Day. The day commemorates the coronation of the first king of Bhutan, Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuk, in 1907 - and honours him for the era of stability that his reign ushered in for the nation. Those on Bhutan treks and tours at that time of year often get to witness or join in the festivities, well-informed by their guide about the mountain kingdom's history.
Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuk: the first hereditary monarch
Political unity came to Bhutan for the first time in 1616, under Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, but after his death Bhutan became troubled. Over two centuries later, Trongsa Penlop Jigme Namgyel was the country's most powerful ruler. It was his son, Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck, who ushered in the present era of stability.
Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck became Paro Penlop and later Trongsa Penlop in 1882. Three years later, he fought a battle at Changlimithang in Thimpu against the dzongpons of Thimpu and Punakha over the election of the Deb Raja - his victory established his supremacy, a turning point in the history of Bhutan.
In 1907 he was crowned as king, having proved himself in the years since the battle as the most able leader of Bhutan. This resulted in political stability and no further civil war.
An era of stability
Many people on Bhutan treks remark on how peaceful and pleasant the country is. This is in part because of Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck and his successors, who have maintained stability since 1907 and been a driving force behind progress in the country. For instance, the second king, Jigme Wangchcuk, established several schools and hospitals, and undertook large-scale renovations of monasteries. His successor, Gyalsey Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, initiated the modernisation of Bhutan and the utilisation of its natural resources, enlarged its trade and commerce, and constantly worked to ensure Bhutan's independent status.
The fourth king, Gyalsey Jigme Singye Wangchuck, transformed Bhutan into a constitutional democratic monarchy and authored the famous Gross National Happiness. More generally, he continued his predecessors' work in developing the welfare, economic progress and international standing of his people and their nation.
The current king, Jigme Khesar Namgyel, has shown every indication of following in this tradition of stability and growth - a tradition that is firmly a part of the royal heritage celebrated every December by the Bhutanese on their National Day.
Modern celebrations
The hub of Bhutan National Day celebrations today is Changlimithang National Stadium, in Thimpu. Inhabitants of the capital city are joined by others who have journeyed from cities and towns all over Bhutan. Treks and tours taking place at that time of year often factor in National Day, so that visitors to the country can enjoy the colourful, exciting events as well. A procession and other festivities take place in Changlimithang National Stadium, including important announcements like 2010's inauguration of a photography exhibition titled 'Through the Lens of Time - Glimpses of the Unseen Images of Bhutanese Monarchs' by Her Majesty the Royal Grandmother, Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuck. This short-running exhibition (Dec 20th 2010 - Jan 14th 2011) showcases rare images of Bhutan's monarchs at different points in time. Anyone visiting the country on Bhutan treks or cultural tours during that four-week period will see a unique visual showcase of the monarchy's history.
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