After two years of closed door celebrations amid lockdowns and restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Bhutanese will once again come together in unity to celebrate the National Day. The 115th National Day is set to be held at the Changlimithang in Thimphu. People from all walks of life in the capital are thrilled to be part of the celebration this year.
With the approaching of the first National Day celebration at Changlimithang after the COVID-19 pandemic, the capital is gearing up for the big day. As the poles along the expressways feature the national flag and portraits of His Majesty The King and His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, it is setting a festive mood among the people.
After two years of muted celebrations, this year, the National Day will be celebrated out in the open and people couldn’t be more excited.
“It has almost been two years that we haven’t celebrated the National Day. I am very excited about it. This year’s National Day celebration is also a time for us to express our gratitude to His Majesty The King for all his sacrifices during the pandemic,” said Sangay Zangmo, a student of Motithang Higher Secondary School.
“After two years of the pandemic, I am happy that we are celebrating the National Day again. It also makes me happy that the celebration will be in the capital and that we can all see His Majesty in person,” said Lalita Rai, a resident of Thimphu.
“The people of our country, due to the pandemic in the past years, couldn’t attend the National Day celebrations. This year, His Majesty is going to grace us with his presence at the Changlimithang. I am looking forward to witnessing it,” added Jigme Jakar, another resident of the capital.
Recollecting their vivid memories of colourful days with parades and different performances, some children in the capital are excited to be a part of the celebration again.
While some are eager to witness the performances, others are anxious to hear His Majesty’s Address to the people on the day of the celebration.
“It has been a while since I have witnessed the National Day celebrations in person. This year, I want to go watch the celebration with my parents,” said Pema Selden, a student of Jigme Namgyel Lower Secondary School.
“I am excited to listen to His Majesty’s Address. As our batch will be the first to undergo the Gyalsung Programme, I am excited to hear what His Majesty has to say about it. I am going to witness the celebrations this time even if we have exams on the day,” added Sonam Wangchuk, a student of Motithang Higher Secondary School.
Home Minister Ugyen Dorji, the Chairperson of the committee organising the National Day celebration, in a recent press conference talked about the focus and the significance of this year’s National Day. He also added that this year’s National Day will focus on youth, technology and entrepreneurship.
“This year’s National Day assumes a more profound significance for the fact that this is being celebrated in the open after the pandemic ended. So, in a way, we are celebrating our victory over the pandemic. It is also significant because even as we are celebrating the end of the pandemic, we are also marking the beginning of major reforms in the country, transformations in all spheres of the society. So, this two reasons make this National Day a very significant moment,” said the Minister in an interview with BBS earlier today.
More than 20,000 people had gathered to celebrate the National Day at the Changlimithang in 2019. As the countdown for the big day has already begun with the people more excited than ever to celebrate the big day, it remains to see how many will turn up for the celebrations on December 17.
Meanwhile, with a few more days left, the programmes leading up to the National Day celebration are also underway in the capital.
Karma Samten Wangda/ Devika Pradhan