July 14: As the nation observed the birth anniversary of Guru Rinpoche on Saturday, July 12, thousands of people across the kingdom visited Dzongs, Lhakhangs and Goendeys to offer prayers. In the capital Thimphu, His Majesty the King and members of the royal family, cabinet ministers, senior government officials, and parliamentarians attended a special prayer ceremony at the Tashichhodzong.

The Monks of the Zhung Dratshang led by His Holiness the Je Khenpo performed prayers at the Tashichhodzong coinciding with the birth anniversary of Guru Rinpoche.

It was attended by His Majesty the King and their Royal Highness the Princesses.

Cabinet ministers, the Chief Justice, the Opposition Leader, the National Council Chairperson, the National Assembly Speaker and parliamentarians also attended the special prayer ceremony at the Tashichhodzong.

In the courtyard of the Dzong, thousands of people offered prayers and received blessings from the Guru Thongdrel. The devotees also received blessings from sacred Nangtens.

Regarded as the second Buddha, Guru Rinpoche visited Bhutan in the 8th century. Guru Rinpoche is credited to have brought Buddhism to the kingdom and visited and blessed several religious sites. These sites are revered as Nyes, which are visited by devotees on auspicious occasions.

Thousands of people also visited Lhakhangs and Goendeys to offer butter lamps and prayers. Special prayers were also conducted across the kingdom. Schools and institutions also remained closed to mark the occasion.