October 18: The government has declared a weeklong holiday from November 6 to mark the coronation celebrations.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday afternoon, the chairman of National Steering Committee Lyonchen Jigmi Y. Thinley announced that the sacred Dhar ceremony where His Majesty the King will receive Dhar nay Nga from the Machen of the Puna-Dewa-Chenpoi Phodrang will be held on November 1.

His Majesty will be enthroned as the fifth Druk Gyalpo in the throne room of the Tashichhodzong in Thimphu on November 6.

“Every adult who comes to offer felicitations to His Majesty will receive a coronation commemorative coin as a gift. Everyone will get the opportunity to present tashi khadhar on the November 6. Those who didn't get the opportunity will be allowed to offer their tashi khadhar on 9th or 10th November and there after. People can only offer a tashi khadhar and no one will be allowed to collect gifts of cash or gifts as offering,” said the Prime Minister.

On November 7 His Majesty the King will award medals of various orders to people in recognition of their meritorious service or contribution to society in the fields of music, art and literature. Military awards will also be given on the day. Lyonchen Jigmi Y. Thinley said it is also possible that His Majesty may grant amnesty. Over hundred journalists are expected to cover the event.

Lyonchen Jigmi Y. Thinley said the guest list has been kept as small as possible to ensure that the expenses will not be high. He said no kings, queens, Prime Ministers and Presidents of foreign countries have been invited except for the President of India, the Indian foreign minister and the Gandhi family.

He added that 32 ambassadors who presented their credentials to His Majesty the King have been invited.