Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck made an appearance at the 110th National Day celebration in Haa on December 17. Also present at the occasion were Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen, His Royal Highness The Gyalsey, and other members of the royal family.
His Majesty the king, gave a keynote address to the nation at the courtyard of Lhakhang Karpo. Prime Minister, Dasho Tshering Tobgay also addressed the nation on the occasion. The courtyard of Lhakhang Karpo was packed with people who came to attend the festivities as early as three in the morning. The people of Haa offered Ku-Sung-Thug-Ghi-Mendrel to Their Majesties.60 year old people who joined the celebrations danced to modern Bhutanese songs.
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Haa has hosted the National Day for the first time this year. The dzongkhag administration had started preparations for the day around two months ago. The National Day had also coincided with the Haap’s annual festival, Lomba. The haaps were able to celebrate their annual festival with the royal family. People also received tokha at the celebrstions.
A ceremony was also performed to appease the Haap’s local deities along with the national day celebrations. The celebrations also mark the elevation of Lhakhang Karpo, the seat of Haa’s guardian deity, Ap Chundu, after eight long years.