Bhutan crowns its 5th king in lavish ceremony

Monks of the 8216;Zhung Dratshang Central Monk Body8217; performed the 8216;Lhasang Tashi Raykong insense offering to the guardian deities8217; in the Royal Altar Room adjacent to the Chamber of the Golden Throne, providing the perfect setting for the solemn occasion in the presence of dignitaries from 32 countries.

In an ancient ritual in the white-walled palace overlooking the Thimphu valley, Wangchuck was handed over the Raven Crown by his father and current king Jigme Singhe Wangchuck, who abdicated the throne two years ago in 2006.

The deeply revered 52-year-old former king decided to step down as part of his vision of reforming and modernising the traditional and insular nation by ending absolute royal rule over the nation of some six lakh people.

The historic event at Tashichhodzong, a fortress that is now the seat of the government, was also attended by External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee.

The royal family gave special importance to Sonia Gandhi, her children Rahul and Priyanka and Priyanka8217;s husband Robert Vadra, who stood in the front row meant for members of the royal family.

The Gandhis have been invited by Bhutan8217;s royal family as they share a friendship that spans decades right from the time India8217;s first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru visited Bhutan riding a yak nearly half a century ago. India and Bhutan modernised their ties last year when the two countries signed a revised treaty of friendship that gave Thimphu more freedom in running its foreign policy and in military purchases.

Among the first to reach the Tashichho Dzong courtyard, braving extremely chilly winds, were the Royal grandmother and the Queen mothers.

As the dignitaries took positions, heroes of 8216;Bji-bi-Pawos8217; performed a colourful masked dance amid chanting of hymns and blowing of trumpets.

The monks then commenced the coronation process. The Raven Crown was raised from the altar and delivered to the fourth king who held it until the appropriate moment after which the fifth king ascended the Supreme Golden Throne.

Before the ceremony concluded offerings of empowerment were made by Je Khenpo, or chief abbot, to the new king.

Bhutan saw last coronation nearly 35 years ago in 1974, when the fourth King Jigme Singey Wangchuk was crowned.

The coronation of the fifth King comes barely six months after Bhutan8217;s historic first democratic election which saw the installation of the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa DPT government headed by Jigme Y Thinley.

The largely Buddhist kingdom has marched towards democracy after former King8217;s sudden decision in 2006 to abdicate the throne in favour of his eldest son and announce parliamentary elections to change with the time and relinquish absolute rule.

8220;The best time to change a political system is when the country enjoys stability and peace,8221; Bhutan8217;s former king had said when he began the democratic reform process in 2005.

The crowning of the new king has capped an effort by the Bhutanese royals to survive by bringing in a fresh face and ending their absolute power over the Buddhist country.