Bhutan - Buddhism, Gantay Gompa

Once at the top of the hill, I found the gompa under going major reconstruction.

The gompa, as are many roads and sites in Bhutan, is sprucing up it's appearance and inner workings in preparation for the the coronation of the new king in the spring of 2008. The coronation, the first in a long time, will be a momentous occasion for the country.

The new king will be the fifth king and a direct descendent of the previous four monarchs. HM Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck, son of HM Jigme Singje Wangchuck " the father of GNH" may very well be known as "the father of Democratic Bhutan" as the country will become democratic for the first time in it's history as his reign begins.

While the Bhutanese are understandably anxious about this pending major governmental shift, they are enthralled about the coronation. You can, no doubt, xpect to see quite a bit of press about Bhutan in 08!


I will tell you a little about the reconstruction of the gompa tomorrow.