The Bhutanese Leading the way.
Bhutanese embassies, consulates, and permanent missions joined the nation in celebrating the 118th National Day on 17th December 2025.
Celebrations worldwide reflected Bhutan’s enduring values of unity and cultural pride, with live telecasts of His Majesty The King’s National Day Address from Bumthang serving as a central highlight.
In New Delhi, India, officials and staff of the Royal Bhutanese Embassy, along with family members, gathered for a flag hoisting ceremony, followed by the live broadcast of His Majesty’s National Day Address.
In the evening, Ambassador Major General Vetsop Namgyel and Aum Daw Zam hosted a National Day reception at the Embassy, with India’s Minister for Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, attending as the Chief Guest.
The event was attended by Indian government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of international organizations, and friends of Bhutan.
A Bhutanese musical band performed at the reception, during which the Embassy also launched the 22nd edition of Window on Bhutan 2025.
In Kolkata, India, the Royal Bhutanese Consulate General hosted a reception on 16th December 2025, attended by officials of the West Bengal Government, members of the consular corps, Bhutanese residents, and friends of Bhutan. The reception dinner was graced by Shrimati Nandini Chakravarty, Additional Chief Secretary of the Home and Hill Affairs Department, Government of West Bengal.
On National Day, celebrations continued at the Chancery with flag hoisting, lighting of butter lamps, the marchang ceremony, and the live telecast of His Majesty’s National Day Address.
As part of the commemorations, the Bhutanese community and DeSuup volunteers organized a blood donation drive at Tata Medical Centre on 18th December, with DeSuups also preparing traditional Bhutanese dishes for the reception.
In Guwahati, India, the 118th National Day was marked by the inauguration of a Bhutan Shop, a dedicated retail outlet showcasing authentic Bhutanese products. The shop, jointly established by Phuntsho Ngaden Tshonglay of Thimphu and Purbanchal Banijya Vikash Private Limited of Guwahati, was inaugurated with the Consul General of Bhutan in Guwahati, Jigme Thinley Namgyal, as the Chief Guest.
The outlet features a wide range of Bhutanese agro and food products, handicrafts, wellness items, and other locally produced goods, and is envisioned as a one-stop shop to promote Bhutanese products in Northeast India while strengthening long-term trade relations between Bhutan and India.
In Geneva, Switzerland, the Permanent Mission of Bhutan commemorated the 118th National Day with a reception hosted by Ambassador Tshering Lhadn.
The event, attended by members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of international organisations, the Bhutanese community, and friends of Bhutan, began with the National Anthem and an address by the Ambassador.
She highlighted the significance of National Day for all Bhutanese, underscored the Monarchy as a symbol of unity and progress, and reaffirmed Bhutan’s commitment to peace, cooperation, and multilateralism.
Guests were served Bhutanese cuisine and shown visual presentations showcasing the country’s culture and landscapes.
In Dhaka, Bangladesh, the Royal Bhutanese Embassy celebrated National Day with the Bhutanese community, including students and professionals.
The program featured flag hoisting, marchang offerings, and a Zhabten for His Majesty The King’s long life and wellbeing, followed by the live telecast of HM’s National Day Address.
The Embassy also hosted a community lunch to mark the occasion.
In Canberra, Australia, the Royal Bhutanese Embassy commemorated the 118th National Day with flag hoisting and Zhabten at the Embassy. Further celebrations with the wider Bhutanese community were held later in the day.
In Bangkok, Thailand, the Royal Bhutanese Embassy marked the National Day by conferring Civil Service Awards 2025 on four recipients in recognition of their dedicated service.
Ambassador Kinzang Dorji presented Civil Service Medals to embassy staff, honoring their contributions in line with TSA-WA-SUM.
The Embassy observed the celebrations in a low-key manner with respect for the recent demise of the Queen Mother of Thailand, hosting a small gathering with friends of Bhutan, students, and Bhutanese workers.
Photo: ABPI Perth
In Western Australia, the Association of Bhutanese in Perth Incorporated (ABPI) marked the 118th National Day with a full-day community celebration in Bennett Springs on 17th December. The program brought together Bhutanese families and friends for traditional opening rituals, the live broadcast of His Majesty The King’s National Day Address, and the offering of Zhabten for the long life of the Monarchs and the wellbeing of the Bhutanese people.
Cultural and youth performances highlighted the morning session, while the evening program featured the formal reception of guests, a National Day Award ceremony recognising community contributors and partners, and a grand cultural showcase of Bhutanese songs and dances, followed by a community dinner and social gathering.
The Royal Bhutanese Embassy in Brussels, Belgium joined the nation in commemorating the 118th National Day with religious ceremonies and community gatherings attended by Bhutanese residents from Belgium and neighboring European countries.
The observance included the lighting of butter lamps, the singing of the National Anthem, a community lunch hosted by the Embassy, and the screening of His Majesty The King’s National Day Address, bringing together Bhutanese living across Europe in a spirit of unity and reverence.
On the eve of the National Day, Ambassador Tshoki Choden hosted a reception for Belgian government officials, representatives of the European Union, members of the diplomatic corps, honorary consuls, Bhutanese friendship associations, and friends of Bhutan.
Addressing the gathering, the Ambassador highlighted Bhutan’s development journey under the guidance of the Monarchs and the deepening partnership between Bhutan and Europe, marking 40 years of relations with the European Union, Denmark, Sweden and the Netherlands.
She also announced upcoming platforms for economic cooperation, including the EU–Bhutan Business Forum in January 2026 and the Invest Bhutan Forum in February 2026, aimed at promoting sustainable investment initiatives, such as the Gelephu Mindfulness City.
