The Bhutanese Leading the way.
As Bhutan prepares to mark the 70th Birth Anniversary of His Majesty The Fourth Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the spirit of reverence and gratitude transcends borders. From the serene temples of Bangkok to the crisp autumn air of Geneva, Bhutanese embassies and communities across the world are coming together in devotion, prayer, and heartfelt service to celebrate the visionary Monarch whose leadership continues to shape the nation’s soul.
The day 11th November 2025 will not only see grand festivities at home, but also quiet, meaningful tributes in foreign lands.
In Kolkata, India, the Royal Bhutanese Consulate General and the Liaison and Transit Office will mark the day with offerings of prayers and flowers at the sacred Pelden Lhamoi Nye (Kali Temple) in Dakineshwara, prayers for the long life and continued good health of His Majesty The Fourth Druk Gyalpo.
At the same time, it is the acts of service that embody the deepest tribute. Staff and Bhutanese volunteers will distribute health gift hampers to Bhutanese patients, mostly cancer patients who are receiving treatment in Kolkata hospitals, alongside a blood donation drive.
The celebration will culminate in a friendly khuru match, with over 50 participants including embassy staff, doctors and team from JDWNRH who are currently there, students and patient’s attendants.
In Geneva, Switzerland, the Bhutanese Mission will host a simple but heartfelt ceremony with staff and community members, beginning with the lighting of butter lamps and Zhabten prayers.
30 Bhutanese gathered will recite the Baza Guru mantra along with the live broadcast from Changlimithang, bridging time zones through shared devotion.
Meanwhile, in Brussels, Belgium, the Embassy and around 20 Bhutanese residing there will offer prayers for His Majesty’s long life, well-being and happiness.
In Bangkok, Thailand, the Royal Bhutanese Embassy will observe the joyous occasion at Wat Jukchuer Temple. Monks will lead prayers for His Majesty’s longevity and happiness, followed by the symbolic release of fingerlings (fish) a gesture of peace and longevity and harmony. Over 20 individuals are expected to gather.
Beyond the ceremony, the Embassy and Thai friends of Bhutan are planning an eye camp in Bhutan to serve 70 patients.
Across the vast continent of Australia and even in New Zealand, Bhutanese communities will unite in vibrant celebration.
From Perth, Canberra, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Armidale, and Tasmania, and in Auckland, Bhutanese families will light butter lamps, offer Zhabten prayers, and share special Birthday cake for the long life, good health and happiness of His Majesty The Fourth Druk Gyalpo.
The Bhutanese gathered for the special occasion will also have the opportunity to listen to the address by His Majesty The King in Changlingmithang and view a documentary of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo.
The celebration will also be attended by guests from the respective Australian State Governments and other Australian friends of Bhutan.
The special occasion will also include various cultural performances followed by meals and refreshments for the guests and participants.
Several Bhutanese artists in Australia will also release songs dedicated to His Majesty The Fourth Druk Gyalpo.
In Western Australia, the Bhutan Festival 2025 will be held on the day at Forrest Place in the Central Business District of Perth, featuring a day-long celebration with cultural performances, exhibition of traditional handicrafts and Bhutanese cuisine.
In Canberra, an art competition is being organized to commemorate the special occasion. The Bhutanese Buddhist & Cultural Centre in Canberra will offer special prayers for His Majesty’s long life, continued good health and happiness.
Overall, more than 2000 will be gathering for the celebration though in different places.
In Dhaka, Bangladesh, the Royal Bhutanese Embassy will host a dinner reception, attended by more than 250 guests, including Bangladeshi dignitaries, diplomats, media personnels and Bhutanese residents.
The event will feature a gallery walk celebrating His Majesty’s extraordinary life, accompanied by cultural performances flown in from Bhutan and a dinner showcasing traditional Bhutanese cuisine.
In New Delhi, India, the Royal Bhutanese Embassy will mark the auspicious day with the offering of 100 butter lamps, offering of Zhabten, and special cake followed by Suja Dresi. The celebration will include a live viewing of national prayers from Bhutan, followed by a lucky draw game for the participants which is expected to be around 200.
The Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Bhutan to the United Nations, New York, with the support of Bhutanese Associations and members of the Bhutanese community, is hosting a special community celebration in New York on Saturday 8 November 2025 as 11 November falls on a week day.
The celebrations will feature cultural performances, dinner, refreshments, and a series of exciting lottery prizes. All members of the Bhutanese community across the United States and Canada have been invited for the celebrations. An estimated 500–600 members of the Bhutanese community are expected to attend.
The Permanent Mission, in coordination with Bhutanese artists, will also release a tribute song and music video dedicated to His Majesty The Fourth Druk Gyalpo.
On Tuesday 11 November 2025, the Permanent Mission, together with representatives of the Bhutanese Associations and monks from Choetshogs based in New York, will offer butter lamps and prayers (Tsedrup) for His Majesty’s long life and continued well-being, along with the recitation of the Zhapten for His Majesty.
