His Majesty The King graced the 112th National Day celebration in Thimphu today. His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen, His Royal Highness the Gyalsey and members of the Royal Family also attended the celebrations.

Thousands of spectators gathered at the Changlimithang National Stadium roared with the spirit of unity, peace and prosperity as the celebrations began.

Braving the cold winter night, people started gathering at the stadium from 11 pm yesterday to be part of the celebrations. The gates which were supposed to be opened only at 6 am has to be closed by 4 am as the spectators filled the stadium almost beyond its carrying capacity. Each person got a goody bag containing a miniature Bhutan flag, a lottery, edible items and a batch.

The cultural performances this time were quite unique. Of many, the highlight was a parade on Bhutan’s development journey thus far performed by the students of Thimphu schools.

This year’s National Day celebrations paid tribute to the past, present and future Kings of Bhutan. It was on this day, 112 years ago that Bhutan first crowned Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck as the first hereditary monarch. The day marks the unprecedented unity, peace and prosperity that the country embraced since then.