Thimphu, November 6
In an elaborate sacred ceremony marked with chanting of sacred Buddhist sutras, religious music and traditional dance, Oxford-educated and Indian-trained Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck was today coronated as the fifth king of Bhutan.
The 28-year-old Namgyel Wangchuck was handed over the Raven Crown by his father and fourth king Jigme Singye Wangchuck at the religious ceremony to emerge as the youngest reigning monarch of the world’s youngest democracy. The richly traditional coronation ceremony
was performed at the chamber of the Golden Throne at Taschichho Dzon. The ceremony conducted by the chief abbot or Je Khenpo Truklu Jigme Choeda included handing over precious objects, auspicious elements and recitation of Buddhist sutras meant to bestow the new monarch with wisdom, compassion, long life and valour.
Indian President Pratibha Devisingh Patil was the chief guest at the coronation ceremony, which was attended by UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, her children Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Vadra. They were the only few dignitaries who were allowed to witness the event at the Golden Throne Chamber, along with the royal family members and Bhutanese Prime Minister Jigme Y. Thinley.
— UNI
