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Mark your calendars for December 17, because it's time to celebrate Bhutan National Day! This holiday commemorates the coronation of the first King of Bhutan in 1907 and has been celebrated every year since then. Bhutan is a small country located in the eastern Himalayas, known for its stunning landscapes and unique culture. On this day, people come together to honor their country's history and heritage through traditional dances, parades, and other festivities. So let's join in on the celebrations and learn more about this beautiful nation on Bhutan National Day!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1907</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First King Coronation</div><div class='timeline-text'>Ugyen Wangchuck is crowned as the first Druk Gyalpo (Dragon King) of Bhutan, establishing the Wangchuck dynasty.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1953</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of National Assembly</div><div class='timeline-text'>King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck establishes the National Assembly, initiating a series of modernizations in Bhutanese government and society.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1971</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Bhutan Joins United Nations</div><div class='timeline-text'>Bhutan becomes a member of the United Nations, strengthening its relationships with the global community.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2006</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Transition to Constitutional Monarchy</div><div class='timeline-text'>King Jigme Singye Wangchuck abdicates the throne in favor of his son, and introduces the draft constitution, transitioning Bhutan into a constitutional monarchy.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2008</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Democratic Elections</div><div class='timeline-text'>Bhutan holds its first democratic elections, marking the official transition from an absolute to a constitutional monarchy.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Dress in traditional Bhutanese attire</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Embrace the culture and dress up in traditional Bhutanese attire to celebrate National Day. This could be a fun activity for friends and family to do together.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a local cultural festival</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many cities and towns in Bhutan hold cultural festivals on National Day. Attend one of these festivals to experience the vibrant traditions, food, and music of Bhutan.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Cook and enjoy Bhutanese dishes</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Try your hand at cooking some traditional Bhutanese dishes and share them with friends and family. This is a great way to celebrate National Day while also learning about the country's cuisine.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a Bhutanese film or documentary</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Celebrate National Day by learning more about Bhutan's history and culture through a Bhutanese film or documentary. This can be a great way to educate yourself and others about the country.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Plant a tree in honor of Bhutan's commitment to conservation</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Bhutan is known for its dedication to conservation and sustainability. Honor this aspect of the country by planting a tree on National Day, or participate in a local tree-planting event.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Celebrates the founding of Bhutan as a nation</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>On December 17th, 1907, Bhutan became an independent and unified nation under the leadership of Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck. Bhutan National Day celebrates this historic event and the establishment of Bhutanese national identity.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Promotes cultural heritage</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Bhutan National Day is a day to showcase the rich culture, traditions, and customs of Bhutan. The country's unique way of life, influenced by Buddhism and Himalayan geography, is celebrated and shared with the world on this important holiday.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Unites the nation</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Bhutan National Day brings people from all walks of life together in celebration of their shared history and identity. Festivities, parades, and cultural events are held across the country, fostering a sense of unity and national pride among the Bhutanese people.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Bhutan is the Only Carbon Negative Country in the World</h3><p class='facts-content'>Bhutan is the only country globally that absorbs more CO2 than it produces, making it carbon negative. This achievement is a testament to the country's commitment to environmental conservation.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Bhutan Measures Progress with Gross National Happiness</h3><p class='facts-content'>Instead of using Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Bhutan uses Gross National Happiness (GNH) to measure its progress. This holistic approach considers economic, social, and environmental wellbeing.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Bhutan has Never Been Colonized</h3><p class='facts-content'>Despite its small size and location between two major powers, India and China, Bhutan has managed to preserve its sovereignty and has never been colonized.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Traditional Dress is a Daily Norm in Bhutan</h3><p class='facts-content'>Bhutanese people are required by law to wear traditional national dress in public areas during regular business days. This helps preserve and promote the country's rich cultural heritage.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Bhutanese Archery is More Than Just a Sport</h3><p class='facts-content'>Archery isn't just the national sport of Bhutan - it's an integral element of Bhutanese culture. Archery competitions, often accompanied by feasting and traditional music and dance, serve as social gatherings.</p></div></div>
Bhutan National Day is celebrated on December 17 every year. In 2024, Bhutan National Day will occur on a Tuesday.
2023
Dec 17
Sunday
2024
Dec 17
Tuesday
2025
Dec 17
Wednesday
2026
Dec 17
Thursday
2027
Dec 17
Friday
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