With the historic coronation event only 2 weeks away, a festive ambience has begun to set in and the fever has crept beyond the capital to other districts in the country.
Many schools and institutions ring with voices and rhythmic footsteps of students practising for the event. Men and women from villages travel to gewog centres and dzongkhags almost every day to perfect their performances.
While government officials are engaged in arrangements for the celebrations, monasteries and religious institutions are drawing up programs of prayers and offerings.
Different organisations and individuals are making innovative contributions and gestures towards the celebration. While shops are coming out with khadars bearing the centenary logo, a non-profit organisation is making the biggest banner bearing messages for His Majesty.
Thimphu, where major events will be held starting November 6, is gearing up with preparations in full swing.
Intricate arrangement of flags, banners, and portraits are expected to decorate the capital, that will be lit up with colour and digital screens, and the air filled with songs and music.
The key organiser of the events, Citizen’s Initiative for Centenary and Coronation Celebrations (CICCC), a joint private-government initiative, says the celebrations would be “like never before”.
Massive infrastructure and state-of-the-art technology are being mustered for a series of “themed” events for 42 days until the centenary occasion on December 17.
Project coordinator and promotions director, Tenzin Rigden, told Kuensel that about 280 Bhutanese were involved at the venue at present with lavish investments made, especially in lighting and sound system on a stage where concerts are to be held.
Tenzin Rigden said about 100 truckloads of gravel were dumped and shaped intricately as a measure to avoid dust on the ground. About 400 shrubs were planted and 5,000 potted plants will make the celebration venue environmentally friendly.
While stringent security and lighted billboards of sponsors will welcome visitors at the entrance, a huge tower with five sides illuminating portraits of the five kings would set the tone for the event.
“Hundreds of stalls will offer a variety of products and food,” he said, adding that a special “river restaurant” would be set up to cater to special visitors.
About 450 CGI sheets will fence the venue from the road above to ensure safety.
Meanwhile, a dry run of the official procession will be held on October 25, 26, and 27.
The national steering committee for Coronation and Centenary Celebrations (NSCCC) officials said that work was decentralised, with the forming of nine sub-committees, and being carried out as per schedule.
Hospitality will be taken care of right from Paro airport for international visitors, security tight, media facilities enhanced and entertainments put in place.
An official said arrangements would be made along the Thimphu-Punakha road when His Majesty returns after receiving sacred dhar from the Machhen Lhakhang in Punakha dzong on November 1. A series of ceremonies and events will follow at the Tashichhodzong Tendrel Thang and Changlimithang.
Meanwhile, many people from the districts were expected to arrive in the capital and be a part of the historic event.
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