June 27: As thousands of people throng the National Mall in Washington DC to see the unique offerings of Bhutan, the kingdom has received a welcome marked with goodwill and appreciation at the 42nd Smithsonian Folklife Festival.
The authentic Bhutanese temple at the festival site has been offered by His Majesty the King and the people of Bhutan to the people of the United States in the spirit of goodwill and friendship.
In His speech at the formal opening of the festival, His Royal Highness Dasho Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck conveyed the greetings of His Majesty the King, the government and the people of Bhutan to the people of the United States of America.
Earlier in the day, HRH Dasho Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck, the leader of the Bhutanese delegation was escorted to the Bhutanese temple by in a traditional chipdrel procession. The Marchang ceremony was held outside the Bhutanese temple.
The National Mall looks like a Bhutanese village with the presence of the authentic Bhutanese temple, several tents showcasing the culture and tradition of Bhutan and an archery match in progress.
At the temple, His Royal Highness offered butter lamps and prayers. His Royal Highness then proceeded to join dignitaries for the formal opening of the festival. While Bhutan is the focus country at the festival, the state of Texas and NASA are also taking part.
His Royal Highness was joined on the stage by several dignitaries including the Home Minister Lyonpo Minjur Dorji, the governor of Texas Rick Perry, the Honourable Shana Dale, the Deputy Administrator of NASA and the acting secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, Cristian Sampere.
Our reporter Tshewang Dendup says the speech of His Royal Highness touched the hearts of the American people. For the Bhutanese participants, His Royal Highness has been guiding them with daily interactions with the artists, artisans and musicians and dancers.
With His Royal Highness at the festival site to lend guidance, assistance, confidence and inspiration, the Bhutanese delegates told BBS that they are deeply touched by this royal gesture, a gesture which has helped tremendously in making the Bhutanese participation at the festival a colorful, lively and interactive display of the kingdom’s rich cultural, environmental and spiritual heritage.
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1 comment:
seems lik just out of a mills and boon novel....sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet
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