Thimphu all decked up for Royal Wedding celebrations

Thimphu, Oct 14: Bhutan's picturesque capital is soaked in the colour of festivities as it gears up to give a rapturous welcome to the country's newly-wed Royal Couple who are set to join their subjects in a spectacular celebration of their wedding on Saturday.

King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema, who are already on their way to Thimphu from the historic city of Punakha, will join the festivities tomorrow to bring alive the capital. Bhutanese national flags, scarves of five colours and pictures of a handsome Wangchuck and an elegant Pema holding each other's hand adorn roads, homes, hotels and government offices across the capital.

The celebrations will be held at a spectacular stadium here where audience would be treated to traditional songs and dances. Workers started erecting banners and national flags near the Changlingmithang Grounds, where the celebrations will take place, since early morning and people put up pictures of the Royal Couple at the entrance of their homes to mark one of the historic events of their lifetime.

The Royal Couple will arrive at the Tashichhoedzong, a monastic fortress on northern edge of the city, the seat of the Bhutan's government. The King and the Queen would be accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour and will attend a Trashi Lekdar ceremony in the 'Golden Throne Room' where the country's head cleric will initiate a series of ceremonies.

PTI