Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk Visits Assam, Enjoys Cultural Program

Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk visited Assam and enjoyed a cultural program showcasing the state's varied musical and dance traditions.

Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk arrived in Guwahati, Assam on Friday, November 3, 2023, for a two-day visit. The King was accompanied by Assam Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and senior officials of both Bhutan and Assam.

Cultural Program

On the first day of his visit, the King witnessed a cultural program showcasing Assam's varied musical and dance traditions. The program included performances of 'Borgeet, Thio naam' religious song with cymbal as the main instrument, 'Bihu', 'Bagrumba', 'Jhumur' and 'Tiwa' dance along with Goalpariya songs. The King also interacted with the artistes after the program.

Dinner Hosted by Governor

The Governor later hosted a dinner for the King and his entourage. Chief Minister Sarma took to Twitter to express his privilege to call upon the King and conveyed the enthusiasm among the people of Assam to strengthen Prime Minister Narendra Modi's doctrine of Neighbourhood First.

Visit to Kamakhya Temple

Earlier in the day, the King visited the Kamakhya Temple, one of the most revered Hindu temples in India. Draped in a traditional Buddhist yellow robe, he prayed at the garbhagriha sanctum sanctorum and did parikrama (circumambulation) of the temple, besides lighting earthen lamps in obeisance to the goddess.

Visit to Kaziranga National Park

On Saturday, the King and his entourage will leave for the Kaziranga National Park, famed for its one-horned rhino, where he will take a safari. The royal visitors will leave for New Delhi on Sunday from Jorhat.

The visit of the Bhutan King to Assam is a testament to the strong ties between the two nations. The cultural program, dinner hosted by the Governor, and the King's visit to the Kamakhya Temple and Kaziranga National Park reflect the shared cultural heritage and cooperation between Bhutan and Assam.