SIXTEEN (16)- The Number to be Remembered

The 111th National Day celebration was celebrated in Samtse. For the people of Samtse, December 17, 2018 was the most auspicious moment. His Majesty the King, His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, Her Majesty the Gyaltsuen, His Royal Highness the Gyalsay and the Royal Family members graced the occasion. The uniqueness of the celebration was the presence of His Holiness the Je Khenpo, who received the Nga-Dhag Pelgi Khorlo award.

The people of Samtse have been very fortunate. Till date, the National Day celebration has been held four times in the dzongkhag, including the last one. The first celebration was held in 1981, and then in the year of 1991 and 2002.

The National Day celebration in Samtse is also unique in terms of special number 16.

The Fourth Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck became the King since 1972 until his abdication of throne in favor of the King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck in 2006. In the public ceremony, the Royal wedding of the Fourth Druk Gyalpo was held in Dechog Lhakhang in Punakha Dzong in 1988. The Royal wedding ceremony of Fourth Druk Gyalpo took place exactly after 16 years (1988 minus 1972 equals to 16) of his benevolent reign as the King.

The 95th National Day was hosted in Samtse in 2002 followed by celebration of the 111th National Day in 2018. The 111th National Day again was celebrated exactly after 16 years of the 95th National Day, which was in 2002—both in terms of the years (2018 minus 2002 equals to 16) and term wise (111 minus 95 equals to 16). So the number 16 has been imprinted in the hearts of the people.

Significantly, these beautiful combination—16 and 16 (1616)—as we know is the year of the arrival of Zhabdrung Rinpoche in Bhutan. This unusual combination coincides with how fortunate are the people of Samtse and the nation at large to have hosted the 111th National Day, 2018.

The identical three digit numbers, 111, would inform the people to remain unchanged to strive towards the vision of the Kings in all times to come through the concept of One King, One Country, and One People.

These identical numbers, 111, would also represent:
a) Benevolent King; Peaceful Country; and         Fortunate People.

b) Enlightened Buddha; Powerful Dharma; and Dedicated Sangha.

c) One Country; One People; and Cooperation.

d) Archetypal Parent; Responsible Children; and Thoughtful Relatives.

e) Incredible Past; Prosperous Present; and Secured Future.