Most forunate that the Day was celebrated
here at Haa. It was done in great style blessed by three lines of Wangchuck Dynasty and by beautiful and beloved all Royal Majestic Oueens and Royal Highnesses.
I was intent upon attending it in person but following official directives to the letter has its defaults. " Register in advance " the order was and did get registered few weeks in advance. " Gate opens at 6am and closes at 8am " was the directive. But by 6:45 , gates were closed and advance registration had no purpose. There was open space enclosure where TV was installed but even there, there seems to be some problem in admission procedures.
Naturally, participation if by TV was the only available choice then much more comfortabe at home. So I returned to the confort and pleasure of home. Maybe this day was also neant to be shared with the spirits of departed souls of many beloved family members. Do not get me wrong. I am not at all disappointed though I had come a day ahead to witness the celebrations. Instead, I am fully contended that it was a well attended event. Thank you especially to those who came from other Dzongkhags to make a huge success of the 110 th National Day at Haa.
All Haaps have to be feeling very proud today!
Lhakhang Karpo complex is ok for Haa Tsechu but such national events like National Day must be held at the Traditional Dha- Chhab- Sai- Pang. Thousands and thousands of spectators can view the Celebrations from both sides of the Haa river. A natural stadium more or less the size of Changlingmithang stadium in Thimphu but more beautiful and very naturally designed.
Today's National Day programmes were very impressive and so well managed. Not a minute was wasted. Congratulations Dasho Dzongdag and all those who worked so hard. And thank you all the participants especially the beautiful ladies of Haa. It was a kind of nostalgically a honeymoon environment especially the Lomba celebrations enacted in unison.
His Majesty graciously thanked the Haa people for their voluntary services. Yes indeed it was a well organised voluntary service from the heart. I was here in Haa twice within the last 2 months and there was so much enthusiasm. It is immensely a happy and privileged occassion to be in Haa today.
I try not to miss National Day Addresses of His Majesty. But today two things stood out not just because I had not heard them before or did I forget. Memories can play tricks at times.
1.His Majesty made a very special mention of all Bhutanese working and residing away from Bhutan. Such gracius thoughts and wishes on the National Day had to have deeply touched those who are in foreign countries as well as those of us here in Bhutan. I was deeply touched and warmed and I thank His Majesty for remembering my beloveds along with others living away from home and hearth. And that too, during Lomba when family members especially children are most missed.
2. His Majesty also touched upon the dangers to a small nation like Bhutan when our giant two neighbours China abd India are at logger heads. His Majesty reminded Bhutanese to be united. " As long as we are united and do not have internal discord, we can meet any external challenges " His Majesty said. " Gyel- Lyen- Bang Sum gi Thadamtsi " was the phrase His Majesty used. This means trust, faith and love between the three social and political tiers of the Kingdom : Monarchy - Government - People. So true! And so very heartfelt appeal and assurance from the beloved Monarch to all Bhutanese whether in government, armed forces, in private or public services, politicians or Political Parties and the People at grass root.
His Majesty also thanked the Armed Forces. He usually does but there was a difference this time. The King made reference to the efforts of RBG, RBP and RBA within and at the Borders in the North and South. And His Majesty was not talking about normal duties or efforts of the Three Service Forces in combating like natural calamities. In talking about the security status of the Nation, His Majesty specifically mentioned both internal and external dangers. His Majesty mentioned the Service Forces in the order of RBG, RBP and RBA. Maybe it was just a random sequence. But it could also be an emphasis on internal security. RBA is the one we would immediately think of in case of external threat whilst the other two are more responsible for internal security matters.
Haaps may have missed His Holiness the JheKhen Rimpoche Trulku Jigme Choedra. Not that His Holiness usually attends National Day with Their Majesties but there was talk about this happening this time. As it was Lomba so many believed the rumour that His Holiness will grace the Nyira - Gu- Lue- Fang-ni. At normal times, I would have doubted the rumour but not this time. Haaps were told that instead of individual house Lue, it will be one big event as Haa Dzonkhag. And with Doklam lying extreme south of Haa though under Samtse Dzongkhag, I simply thought that it was a very thoughtful initiative. Well, I guess some plans are just talked of in wishful thinking.
In summary, the National Day in Haa has been a great gift to Haaps by His Majesty the King. And we are highly honoured and deeply touched by the royal presence of Their Majesties the Kings and Queens and Royal Princes and Princesses and delighted by the enthusiasms of the younger Royal lines headed by Gyalsey HRH Jigme Namgyal Wangchuck. Haa Miri Phuen Sum, Gyenpo Tsebarmi and Ap Chhundu had to be in celebratory mood because the day was sunny and so beautiful.
Greetings from my Haa Home to all my fb friends. Tomorrow is our Wangcha Village Mang-gi-Chhoku and the day after our Village Tsechu. So I will be blessed thrice from National Day, Mang-gi- Chhoku and Tsechu. So let me share with all of you the abundant Blessings for the coming New Year. Thank you for being my friends.
Happy Lomba ! And Happy New Year!
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