The Pungthang Dewachen Phodrang or The Punakha Dzong is the best representation and symbol of Bhutanese civilization and the Bhutanese state. It carries religious and cultural significance with various relics like Rangjung Kharsapani, including relics associated with Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyel. Reflecting its broad character the Dzong also houses relics associated …

It is most auspicious for all of us to have gathered here today to observe the sacred occasion of Zhabdrung Kuchoe at Pungtang Dewachenpoi Phodrang, the principal seat of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. All the people of our country were joyously united in offering prayers when our son was born in …

Concerning the establishment of three new colleges in Bhutan, I am not convinced of the efficacy of having three additional colleges. Every economy without doubt faces the problems of scarcity and choice. As a corollary, the decision to allocate our limited resources becomes important. While different economies allocate resources in …

April 10th 2016, Sunday will go down as one of the most memorable days of my life. His Majesty the King was offering six chests made out of sandal wood to be taken up to Chari Monastery. Fringed with gold-plated metal carving of traditional design, the 6 dark reddish chests …

The Zhabdrung Kuchoe this year will be special for two main reasons. The first is that it marks the 400th year of Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyel’s arrival in Bhutan, and the other special reason is the naming ceremony of His Royal Highness The Gyalsey. The Bhutan of today, from its sovereign …

Tshering Tashi/Thimphu For the upcoming 2nd Local Government (LG) Election, the Dzongkhag electoral staff in Lhuntse has formed three groups to educate voters in the chiwogs. While the leading team covered 12 chiwogs, the other two teams covered 6 and 5 chiwogs respectively. Voter education was held either on open …

Tshechu being the oldest and the most popular festival in Bhutan brings thousands of people together. It happens in every Dzongkhag from three to fives days every year. That gives Bhutan Toilet Org the perfect setting for our Toilet Experiment. Actually it’s more than an experiment, it’s a campaign to …

The coming week will see a visit from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge otherwise popularly known as ‘Prince William and Kate.’ There is a lot of international media interest in the visit given the unique characteristics of both the Royal couples. His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the …

Cabinet reshuffles are considered the norm in many democracies around the world and one good example is in the world’s largest democracy next door where cabinet reshuffles are the norm. However, this was almost unthinkable in Bhutan until the former Foreign Minister gave way more than a year ago. There …

It was the last day of Paro Tshechu and my team was celebrating our four days of success, having delivered our mission of providing clean toilets to thousands of people and literally putting an end to open defecation in the place of worship. We were paid a surprise visit by …