A significant cultural and spiritual event was held at the Royal Textile Academy (RTA), where His Royal Highness Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck presided over the consecration of a newly created Guru Tshengye Thongdrol and inaugurated a commemorative exhibition dedicated to the legacy of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo.
The event forms part of the nationwide celebrations marking the 70th birth anniversary of the Fourth King. Her Majesty Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck, Royal Patron of the Royal Textile Academy, and Her Royal Highness Princess Eeuphelma Choden Wangchuck were also present at the occasion, alongside ministers, senior government officials, members of the monastic body, and invited guests.
The religious ceremony began with the Rabney Sungcho, led by the Dorji Lopen and monks of the Zhung Dratshang. This was followed by a Tashi Ngasol ritual for the newly consecrated thongdrol and the offering of Ku-Sung-Thukten to His Royal Highness the Gyalsey.
The sacred Guru Tshengye Thongdrol, commissioned by the Royal Textile Academy in 2024, was created as a special tribute to the Fourth Druk Gyalpo. Combining traditional textile craftsmanship with religious artistry, the piece features garments of Guru Rinpoche woven from hand-crafted Kushuthara textiles, while intricate Hor-patterned borders frame the composition. The entire work was produced using natural plant-based dyes, reflecting Bhutan’s rich heritage of sustainable textile traditions.
Speaking on the significance of the event, RTA Director Ugyen Tenzin said the initiative had been planned well in advance as part of efforts to honour the Fourth King’s milestone birthday. He noted that the programme was held under the Royal Command of Her Majesty Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck and serves as an expression of gratitude and devotion, with prayers offered for His Majesty’s long life, good health, and continued wellbeing.
The occasion also marked the opening of a special exhibition titled The Visionary Monarch: A Tribute to the Fourth King’s Enduring Legacy. Curated jointly by the Royal Textile Academy and the Museum Division under the Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development, the exhibition presents a comprehensive look at the Fourth King’s transformative reign.
Through a collection of photographs, historical artefacts, traditional textiles, archival records, and multimedia displays, visitors can explore His Majesty’s contributions to governance, environmental stewardship, and the preservation of Bhutan’s cultural identity. An official exhibition catalogue documenting the collection was also launched during the ceremony.
The exhibition is now open to the public, offering visitors an opportunity to reflect on the enduring impact and legacy of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo.
