Bhutan Observer

To take part in this historic event please contact us.

Fire near Chimmi Lhakhang. Posted by Norbu Wangchuk, 8 mins ago. What is going on?

Sheree Square on Fire! Update us !!!

Press Release
37th Session of the SAARC Council of Ministers on 14 -17 March 2016, Pokhara, Nepal
At the invitation of H.E. Mr. Kamal Thapa, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Nepal, Lyonpo Damcho Dorji, Minister of Foreign Affairs attended the 37th Session of the SAARC Council of Ministers (COM) on 17 March 2016 in Pokhara, Nepal. The meeting was inaugurated by the Rt. Hon’ble K.P. Sharma Oli, Prime Minister of Nepal.

The COM was preceded by the SAARC Programming Committee on 14-15 March and the Standing Committee on 16 March 2016, which was attended by Foreign Secretary Tshering Dorji and other officials from the Foreign Ministry.

The COM reviewed the progress that Member States have achieved in implementing the decisions of the SAARC Summit held in November 2014 in Kathmandu, Nepal, which among others decided that future Summits will be held biennially.

Pakistan will host the next SAARC Summit in November this year.

The delegation of Pakistan announced that Ambassador Amjad Hussain B. Sial has been identified as the next SAARC Secretary-General. The term of office of the Secretary General is three years and Mr. Arjun Bahadur Thapa of Nepal the incumbent Secretary-General's term will end in February 2017.

Regarding the consideration of matters relating to the establishment of SAARC Environment and Disaster Management Centre (SEDMC), the Committee recommended that the SAARC Disaster Management Centre (SDMC) will be located in New Delhi, India and Environment Centre will be merged with the existing SAARC Energy Centre (SEC) in Islamabad, Pakistan. The recommendation will provisionally apply immediately subject to the confirmation by the Nineteenth SAARC Summit.

On the sidelines of the Meeting of SAARC Council of Ministers, Lyonpo Damcho Dorji met with his counterparts from Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Pakistan.

In his statement, Lyonpo Damcho Dorji urged Member States to implement the Thimphu Statement on Climate Change which gives a clear direction on the climate change.

*****

press release from ROM

6 February 2016



We have the privilege of assuring the people of Bhutan and all other well wishers that Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen and His Royal Highness The Gyalsey are in perfect health, under the devoted care of a professional medical team.



Today, His Majesty The King offered prayers at the Tashichhodzong, Dechenphu Lhakhang, Pangrizampa Lhakhang, and the Gesar Lhakang.



Hundreds of well-wishers gathered at these nyes (sacred sites) and other Dzongs and Lhakhangs across the country to offer prayers of gratitude on the joyous occasion of the Royal Birth. People offered Karmi Kom (butter lamps), hoisted Prayer Flags at all sacred sites. The Bhutanese diaspora overseas has also been offering prayers and celebrating the auspicious occasion.



Excited well-wishers are sharing numerous auspicious signs (taktshen), symbols, and images on the social media.



Sharing the joy of the Bhutanese people, His Holiness the Je Khenpo explained the extraordinary tendrel under which His Royal Highness The Gyalsey was born. His Holiness the Je Khenpo is presiding over sacred ceremonies in Tashichhodzong, Thimphu, and kurims (religious ceremonies) are being conducted by the Zhung Dratshang (Central Monk Body) and clergy in all the Dzongs and important lhakhangs across the country.



The Prime Minister announced that Monday has been declared a holiday to celebrate the Royal Birth. The historic Drukgyel Dzong in Paro will be restored to its former glory to commemorate the celebrations. The Salhang ceremony for the dzong was conducted today.



Kutens (sacred objects) are being repaired, restored and gilded in the Tashichhodzong and Punakha Dzong, to mark the birth of the Gyalsey.



A sapling of the Bodhi tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment was planted at Takila in Lhuentshe.



Besides this, 108 trees of sacred significance were planted in Thimphu, Punakha, Tsirang, Dagana, and Sarpang to mark the Royal Birth. These included Oak, Cypress, Rosary Tree, Bodhi tree, and white Sandalwood.



Sachu Bumter (blessed vessels) were installed by the Jigten Wangchuk Tshogpa at the sources of five water bodies in Punakha, to bless the waters that course through the country.



Two chortens will be built in Thrumsengla and Pelela to mark the occasion. The salhang tendrel for these chortens were conducted today.



Priests from the Hindu community in the Southern dzongkhags are offering prayers and havaan (fire offerings) at the Samtse Mandir. The ceremony includes recitations of the Veda, Vagawat Puran, Shiva Puran, Devi Vagawat, Rudri and Chandi.



The Samtse Shivalaya Mandir, which was built upon the Royal Command of His Majesty The King as a gift to the Hindu Community in Bhutan to mark the Royal Wedding, was consecrated today coinciding with the Royal Birth.



Meanwhile, Their Majesties granted soelra to all children born in the country on the auspicious day of the Royal Birth.



His Majesty Commanded that the government should not spend valuable resources on grand celebrations but should commemorate the Royal Birth with initiatives that will have long-term benefits for the country and people. Their Majesties expressed their wish that the most important focus should be the tendrel of the Royal Birth.

# # #

Image: Beautiful clouds adorned the skies today in Thimphu as the Nation rejoiced with the news of the Royal Birth.

Royal Office for Media
His Majesty's Secretariat,

His Royal Highness The Gyalsey is Born





5 February 2016



The first Royal Child of His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Her Majesty Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema was born on the 5th of February, 2016.



His Royal Highness was delivered safely at the Lingkana Palace in Thimphu.



With the blessings of the Guardian Deities of Bhutan and Protectors of the Dharma, and the prayers of the Bhutanese people, Her Majesty and His Royal Highness The Gyalsey are both in perfect health.



His Majesty The King was at Her Majesty’s side during the time of the delivery. Following the Royal Birth, the newly born Prince was first presented to His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo.



All sacred Bhutanese traditions were observed for the auspicious occasion, with His Holiness the Je Khenpo presiding over the religious ceremonies.



Their Majesties and members of the Royal family are filled with profound joy on the birth of His Royal Highness.



Their Majesties expressed appreciation to the Bhutanese medical team for their service.



Their Majesties also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Zhung Dratshang, Rabdeys, and other religious organizations who performed prayer ceremonies in all the Dzongs and Lhakhangs across the country for the wellbeing of His Royal Highness, Their Majesties, and the people of Bhutan.

4 November 2015, Gyalyong Tshokhang: His Majesty The King graced the opening ceremony of the 6th session of the second parliament.

To join the yearlong celebration of the 60th Birth Anniversary of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, RBE Dhaka organized a five day Bhutan Film Festival scheduled from 2 - 6 October 2015. The opening ceremony was held on 2 October 2015.