Royal Address to the Nation by His Majesty Dec 17 2012

Source: BBS TV

Royal Address to the Nation by His Majesty Dec 17 2012

On the occasion of the 105th National Day, it gives me much happiness to address our People of the 20 dzongkhags.This National Day is of special significance. The powers offered by our People to the King in 1907 were, after hundred years of Nation building, returned in 2008 to our People by the Druk Gyalpo. It was in that year that we held the first elections under democracy and adopted the Constitution. Today we are nearing the end of the term of the first Parliament we elected in 2008 and the culmination of the tenth and largest 5-year plan. So much work lies ahead and such immense responsibilities rest on our shoulders as we approach 2013.
Yet, with capable and dedicated citizens who have great love for our country; with the guidance of the Fourth Druk Gyalpo and; with the ever-stronger bonds between People and King, I have great confidence that we shall achieve our goals.
Our People of Bhutan are unique. We have a sense of family, community and brotherhood that inspires us to come together in times of need. I have seen this following natural disasters and most recently in the way in which all Bhutanese came forward to offer whatever little we could afford to rebuild the historic treasure, Wangduephodrang Dzong.
In other nations, difficult moments in their history are met with strife, violence and conflict as people sacrifice national interest in order to achieve individual ambitions. In Bhutan such acts and events have never occurred. Our way of life, our heritage, loyalty and values remain strong in the hearts of our People and our People stand ready, even in times of great personal hardship, to place Nation above Self. I am so proud of our People and offer my deep gratitude for the love you have shown for your Nation.
It is during times of prosperity and success that we must remind ourselves of the work that lies ahead. We have made a good start in our transition to democracy but much remains to be done. Our Nation has seen great socio-economic growth but it is more important that we have growth with equity. We must raise, with all our effort, the less fortunate so that they may, at the earliest, begin to partake in the opportunities brought by modernization and progress.
The government has provided education to our youth. But for the nation to prosper for all time, a sound education must be succeeded by access to the right jobs and responsibilities, so that our youth may bloom as individuals and at the same time serve their Nation well.
The recent Rupee shortage is a serious problem. I feel it is a reminder that, as a Nation, we must exercise our traditional sense of caution and work even harder as we address the challenges of the time. For no matter what challenges lie ahead, it is only the Bhutanese citizen who can protect and safeguard Bhutan.
Today, the most important duty for us is the upcoming 2013 Parliament elections. I would like to say that we – all of us – are new to this democratic transition. We have all equally acquired four and a half years of experience in democracy. Experience comes with participation, so I urge you all to come forward as candidates, members of parties and voters for 2013.Remember, achieving democracy is not the goal. The real fruits of our efforts should be that democracy brings greater unity, harmony and prosperity to our Nation. Democracy must be able to fulfill the aspirations of our People.

Many hundreds of years ago, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal unified the nation, established the dual system and laid the foundations on which a unique Bhutan was born. This new nation was then further strengthened over the course of history by fifty-four Desis and generations of Bhutanese. The last hundred years, the Wangchuck dynasty, further strengthened the foundations laid by the Zhabdrung and handed over a special Nation to our People in 2008. All of this was possible because our People have lived as one small family, true to the ideals of the Zhabdrung and the foundations of a unique and special Bhutanese identity.
As we approach the elections of 2013, we must, therefore, keep in mind these foundations of our Nation and prevent all ethnic, religious or political divisions in our small Nation. We must participate in democracy with the spirit of harmony and fraternity.
In 2008, our democratic transition and the wholehearted participation by the people including the 80% voter turnout were lauded by the world. I urge you all to exercise your right to vote – it comes but once in 5 years – for it is an act of great benefit to the Nation.
With the Blessings of the Triple Gem and our Guardian Deities and the good fortune of our People, I am confident we will conduct the second elections under democracy successfully in 2013.
For me, I hold sacred the endeavors begun by my father, the Fourth Druk Gyalpo. I have committed myself to bringing to fruition all the noble endeavors begun in his 34 years of service and sacrifice. I also hold sacred my duty to ensure the success of democracy and I shall work to lay the strongest foundations for a vibrant democracy within my reign.

Above all, I believe that the Golden Throne is not a Throne of wealth, power and prestige. The Golden Throne of Bhutan is a unique Throne of Destiny to serve our People and Nation.As King since 2006 I have always served with complete dedication and integrity. Sometimes I may have erred. Yet, you my people, have given me even more love and support and placed your complete faith and trust in me. To our People of the 20 Dzongkhags, I offer my heartfelt gratitude and pledge that I shall give everything to be of service to you and Bhutan.
In this land blessed by Guru Padmasambhava, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and our Fourth Druk Gyalpo, I pray that there shall be everlasting peace, prosperity and happiness.

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Dochula Druk Wangyel Festival

The Dochula Druk Wangyel Festival will take place every year on December 13 at the Druk Wangyel Lhakhang’s Festival ground. The inaugural performance will be held on December 13, 2011. The venue is related to important national landmarks while the date commemorates the commencement of the military expedition of 2003.

Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck is the founder and patron of the Dochula Druk Wangyel Festival. Druk Wangyel Lhakhang (2004-2008), the venue for the festival, and the 108 Khangzang Chortens (2003-2004) that straddle the Dochula Pass were built by Her Majesty as well. She is also the Founder and President of the most visited place by tourists in Thimphu, the Folk Heritage Museum, as well as of a humanitarian NGO, Tarayana Foundation. Further, Her Majesty is the author of books such as ‘Of Rainbows and Clouds’ and ‘Treasures of the Thunder Dragon.’ Both of these books have been translated into many languages.

Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, commanded Karma Ura to produce the Dochula Druk Wangyel Festival. In 2010, Her Majesty the Queen Mother instructed him that the festival should revolve around three themes: (1) Tshering Chednga, (2) Choesung, and (3) the military expedition of 2003. This parameter has been strictly followed. His Holiness the 70th Je Khenpo, Trulku Jigme Choedra, blessed the festival when its preview was presented to him on November 21, 2011 at the Motithang Palace ground.

In accordance with the directive of HH the Je Khenpo, the earlier dance of Ma Goen Chamdrel Sum was expanded to include a comprehensive set of protector deities (choesung), including De Gyad (eight Protectors), and their retinues. It became finally the Dance of Deities. We owe a debt of gratitude to HH for his enlightened directive that brought improvements to this and other performances. At the same, HH expressed his wish that the future rounds of festival should include a longer and more detailed performance of Milarepa and Tshering Chednga.

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Taiwan and Bhutan national park forum inspires many

source: http://www.spnp.gov.tw

Announcement Date：2012-04-24

“An Encounter between Bhutan in Shei-Pa: 2012 Taiwan and Bhutan national park exchange forum” was held at the Cathay Financial Holdings Taipei Conference Center April 13, 2012, as organized by the Shei-Pa National Park Administration.

The event marks the first official exchange between any Taiwan and Bhutan national parks. Discussion topics include the development of national parks around the world, as well as the “national happiness index” of Bhutan. Karma Dukpa, Director of the Department of Forests and Park Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Forests of the Royal Government of Bhutan, gave a speech on the relations between people’s happiness and environment protection in his country. Karma Tshering, Chief Forestry Officer of the Nature Recreation and Ecotourism Division, shared his managerial experience in Bhutan’s national parks.


Taiwan specialists also shared their experience in recovering endangered species and local ecology, and in establishing ties with the locals. Such include a presentation on Guanwu forests, a speech on partnership between national parks and indigenous residents by author of “Smangus Guided Tours” Lahuy Icyh, and a screening of “Passion of Nature,” best documentary of the 2012 Golden Tassel Awards, along which director Chen Chin-fa shared his observations on the recovery of Guanwu (Formosan) salamanders.

Finally, officer from Bhutan visited five national parks of Taiwan during their stay, including Yangmingshan, Shei-Pa, Kenting, Yushan and Taijiang.

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Bhutan Fever’ in Japan

source: Bhutan Broadcasting service
By Thinley Dorji, Thimphu

One of the Japanese tourists said there is a ‘Bhutan Fever’ in Japan. Going by the number of Japanese visiting the country, it is indeed true. According the Tourism Council of Bhutan, within the last two months the country saw 583 Japanese tourists, surpassing all other 58 countries.

This is Taka Aki and Noah’s first visit to Bhutan. Their visit to Bhutan was planned some three years back. But, due to some domestic problems they couldn’t visit until this time.

“I had no enough budget to come here. It took me three years. I have read a lot about Buddhism and Guru Rinpoche. I want to visit Tharpaling monastery in Bumthang and learn more about Longchen Rabjam,” says Taka Aki.

His wife Noah came to know about Bhutan only after she met Taka. “I want to see and know more about the culture and tradition of Bhutanese people.”

Some Japanese are aware of Bhutan because of Gross National Happiness. Kei Kikuchi is one of them. “I came to know about Bhutan and its development philosophy, Gross National Happiness (GNH), when I was a university student.”

Seiji Kumagai, an assistant professor with the Kyoto University in Japan said Bhutan grabs world attention because of its unique development philosophy, GNH. Dr Kumagai started the Bhutanese Buddhism Research Project (BBRP) in collaboration with the Centre for Bhutan Studies, establishing its head office at Kyoto University. He said more and more Japanese want to learn more about GNH.

He is presenting his research and he says that number will go up further.

Another reason for ‘Bhutan fever’ in Japan was His Majesty and the Gyaltshuen’s visit in November last year. Dr. Kumagai says Japanese were touched by the way Their Majesties expressed condolences for the victims affected by the Tsunami last march.

According to the Officiating Media focal person of the Tourism Council of Bhutan, Phuntsho Gyeltshen, the number of Japanese tourists has gone up drastically, surpassing all other countries. He added that this happened, especially after Their Majesties visit to Japan.

“In order to follow up Their Majesties visit to Japan, TCB and Drukair officials visited Japan to meet with Japan Association of Japanese travel agents and tourism and transport club in Japan. In order to tap the Japan market TCB has initiated to develop the website in Japanese language by the Japanese person. And also Drukair is organising to ply the additional flight to Japan,” says Phuntsho Gyeltshen.

With the number going up there are also many tourist guides and also others, wanting to learn Japanese language. The Tourism Council of Bhutan has outsourced the training to a private institute, The Bhutan Centre for Japanese Studies.

“Actually the primary objective of our institute is to create a skilled and employable and productive Bhutanese who can deliver world class Japanese translation services. Every year thousands of Japanese are visiting Bhutan,” says Ugyen Choda, the Manager of the Institute.

Teaching staff for this institute are invited from Osaka University in Japan for a period of two years.

“We have characters in Japanese, and it’s so difficult for the Bhutanese to remember or get use to that, but all of the students try it very hard and become able to read and write all of that,” says Fukushima Hiromi, one of the instructors.

“They (participants) are really interested because many Japanese tourists are visiting Bhutan,” says another instructor, Fujiwara Yuiko.

More 60 trainees have participated in the last 10 months.

Karma Chopel is a fresh graduate. He says that there are lots of opportunities in tourism. “I feel there is better scope if we learn the Japanese language, so that we can communicate and interact with the Japanese guest in our coming future.”

Sonam Dorji, a Japanese Tourist Guide, says he has developed a lot of interest with Japanese. “So that way I thought I should learn that language. And I could learn more of them and it will give moral satisfaction and at the same time I have my own economic gain. I am happy of that. Lots of Japanese are visiting Bhutan after the visit of our Majesty to their country,” he adds.

The Ambassador of Japan to Bhutan, Akitaka Saika, in one of the interviews with the BBS, said the relations between the two countries is excellent and it only going to grow. And so will the Japanese tourists.

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About Bumthang

Bumthang: The spiritual heartland of Bhutan

Bumthang valley

"Bumthang" directly translates as "beautiful field" – "thang" means field or flat place, and "bum" is said be an abbreviation of either "bumpa" (a vessel for holy water, thus describing the shape and nature of the valley), or simply "bum" ("girl," indicating this is the valley of beautiful girls).

"Bumthang" name came after construction of Jambay Lhakhang, which was constructed in landscape of Bumpa (Vessel)shape. So there after people name the place as "Bumthang"
This region that spans from 2,600-4,500m is the religious heartland of the nation and home to some of its oldest Buddhist temples and monasteries. Tales of Guru Padmasambhava and the tertons (“religious treasure-discoverers”) still linger in this sacred region. The district is sub-divided into the four blocks of Chokhor, Chumey, Tang and Ura. The valleys are broad and gentle carved by the ancient glaciers. The wide and scenic valleys draws a large number of tourists each year.
Jakar Dzong:

Jakar Dzong

The Jakar Dzong or the “Castle of the White Bird” dominates the Chamkhar valley and overlooks the town. Constructed in 1549, by the Tibetan Lam Nagi Wangchuk, the Dzong played an important role as the fortress of defence of the whole eastern Dzongkhags. It also became the seat of the first king of Bhutan. A special feature of the Dzong is the approximately fifty meter high Utse or the Central tower, which is distinct from most other Dzongs in Bhutan. The other unique feature of the Dzong is a sheltered passage, with two parallel walls, interconnected by fortified towers, which gave the population of the fortress access to water in the case of a siege. The protected water supply is still intact to this day.
Jambey Lhakhang: This monastery was built in the 7th century by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo. It is one of 108 monasteries which he built to subdue evil spirits in the Himalayan region. Its present architectural appearance dates from the early 20th century.
Kurje Lhakhang:

Kurje Lhakhang, Jakar

Located further along the valley, Kurje Lhakhang comprises three temples. The one on the right was built in 1652 against the rock face where Guru Padmasambhava meditated in the 8th century. The middle temple is built on the site of a cave containing a rock with the imprint of the Guru’s body, and is therefore considered to be the most holy. The temple on the left was built in the 1990s by H.M. Ashi Kesang Wangmo Wangchuck, Grand-Queen Mother. These three temples are surrounded by a 108 chorten wall.
Tamshing Lhakhang:

Located across the river from Kurje Lhakhang, this temple was founded in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa, a re-incarnation of Guru Padmasambhava. There are very old religious paintings around the inner walls of the temple, which was restored at the end of the 19th century.
Thangbi Goemba
A walk of about 30 minutes north of Kurje Lhakhang leads one to this monastery, situated in the middle of a wide fertile plateau overlooking the river. Founded in 1470 by Shamar Rinpoche of the Karma Kagyupa religious school, the building comprises two sanctuaries and a temple of terrifying deities. The sanctuary on the ground floor contains statues of the past, present and future Buddhas and three clay statues probably dating to the end of the 15th century. On the upper floor, the vestibule contains two remarkable paintings of Guru Rinpoche’s heaven, and the Buddha Amitabha’s heaven.
Ngang Lhakhang

This temple is a few hours’ walk from Thangbi Gompa, situated about 100m above the valley floor in the small region of Ngang Yule (“Swan Land”). The site was visited by Guru Rinpoche. The present temple was built in the 15th century by Lama Namkha Samdup, a contemporary of Pema Lingpa. A three day festival is held here each winter, with masked dances in honor of the founder of the temple.
Ura valley
From Jakar to Ura is 48 km., about one and a half hours’ drive. To reach here, the road climbs through amazingly open countryside, only occasionally running into forest. Sheep pastures line the road up to 20 km. behind the southern tip of the Tang valley. The road crosses Ura-la pass (3,600m), on the approach to which there is a magnificent view of Mt. Gangkar Puensum. Villages in Ura have clustered houses, which is quite unusual in Bhutan. Above Ura village (3,100m) there is a new temple is dedicated to Guru Rinpoche. Inaugurated in 1986, it contains a huge statue of the Guru and remarkable wall paintings of the cycle of his teachings. Within the last 25 years Ura has been transform

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Cranes land in early

source: kuensel 

 Within the last two weeks, about 43 cranes arrived in Phobjikha

«The Black-necked cranes at Phobjikha (Photo : Bird Sherub, UWICE)
Black-necked cranes have been sighted at Phobjikha and Bumdeling valleys much earlier compared with past years.

Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) officials said the first group of three black-necked cranes including a juvenile was sighted on October 27 at Phobjikha and two adult cranes in Bumdeling on October 30.

“Within the last two weeks, about 43 cranes have arrived in Phobjikha, of which, six are juveniles,” RSPN’s Jigme said. In Bomdeling, Trashiyangtse, only two cranes were spotted so far.

Last year the cranes arrived at Phobjikha, which is about 3,000M above sea level, only around mid-November. The year saw a total of 347 cranes.

Ugyen Wangchuck Institute of Conservation and Environment (UWICE) chief of research and education, Bird Sherub said the reason for the birds showing up early could be because of change in weather conditions up north.

He said the birds flocked to the country when it grew too cold at the Tibetan plateau, their summer roosting ground. The cranes spent about four months in the country before returning to Tibet around mid-march.

The crane population in the country, Bird Sherub said was on the rise, which provided research opportunities for bird lovers and wildlife officials.

Other roosting grounds for cranes in winter were Khotokha in Wangduephodrang, Gyetsa, Chumey and Thangbi in Bumthang and Bumdeling in Trashiyangtse.

Occasionally, a few birds were also sighted in Paro and Lhuentse.

RSPN records show increase in crane population from 225 in 1991-92 to 447 cranes in 2011-12.

Phobjikha saw the highest increase in the number of cranes from 102 in 1991-92 to 248 cranes in 2000-01, which then rose to 326 in 2009-10.

“In a few of the habitats including Bumdeling, however, the population has been decreasing because of habitat loss from flooding since 1994,” Bird Sherub said, adding there was a need for paddy field restoration in Trashiyangtse to provide cranes their foraging habitat.

“We might have lost crane population in Bumthang to grassland encroachment by blue pine,” he said. “Similarly in Phobjikha, habitat quality and carrying capacity could decrease as a result of dwarf bamboo bloom.”

A local ornithologist said they had yet to know and understood the cranes.

“Its feeding ecology is poorly understood,” he said. “We have more of assumptive explanations than actual understanding like knowing what cranes feed on actually.”

Bird Sherub said UWICE began studying the movement of the birds since 2011.

“Through the movement ecology studies, we should be able to understand its home range, daily activity pattern and energetics involved in transboundry migration,” he said. “The movement ecology research is being conducted in collaboration with the Max Planck Institute of Ornithology.”

Meanwhile, flocking of the cranes into the country also heralds the arrival of tourists, meaning a boom time for farmhouses and resorts in Phobjikha.

“With the number of bird watchers on the rise, our resort is fully booked for a month,” Dewachen resort in-charge in Phobjikha, Sonam said.

Farmhouse owners said they were inundated with phone calls for rooms.

“We had to turn down most requests because a majority of the farmhouses here have less than 10 rooms,” one farmhouse owner said.

RSPN and Phobjikha Environment Management Committee (PEMC) will be observing the 14th Annual Black-necked Crane Festival on November 11 to celebrate the arrival of the birds.

By Passang Norbu

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Tang Mebar Tsho(Bumthang)

source: Tourism council of Bhutan

Located along the way to the Tang village over the feeder road under Bumthang valley, it takes thirty minutes drive to the Mebar Tsho from the Chamkhar town.
Mebar Tsho is considered one of the most sacred sites in the region as it relates to the renowned treasure reveler, Terton Pema Lingpa-incarnated disciple of Padmasambhava who discovered treasure from the lake somewhere around late 15th century.



It is believed that Terton Pema Lingpa had a vision about hidden treasures to be found at the foot of Tang Valley which was indicated by Guru Rinpoche many centuries before. Since the people of tang and the local ruler was cynical about it, he held a butter lamp in his hand, he jumped into the lake, remained under water for a long time, and he re-emerged holding a chest and a scroll of paper in his hand and the butter lamp held in his hand still burning bright. Thereafter, the lake came to be known as Mebartsho (the burning Lake).

Today this small fresh water lake is a sacred pilgrimage place for Bhutanese with bright multicolored prayer flags surrounding the place and on auspicious days people go and offer butter lamps on the lake. Many tourist visit the site to observe spectacular beauty of the place and it is also an important site for historians.

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