Bhutan, a unique Himalayan Kingdom known for its stunning landscapes, exemplary conservation policies, the development philosophy of Gross National Happiness, and for ushering in Democracy by the Kings' own initiative in 2008, celebrated a very special occasion on November 11 2015– the 60th birthday of the Fourth King, widely regarded as the Father of the Nation.

The Fourth King of Bhutan, who was crowned at the age of 16 after the untimely demise of His father the Third King, is credited with great economic and political reforms, changing the lives of the people and the face of the nation, and finally, for the extraordinary act of relinquishing his own powers in favour of democracy– something He insisted must be put in place in Bhutan, despite the people wanting their King to continue governing them.

The Fourth King abdicated in favour of his son, His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, in 2006, and the first democratic elections were held in 2008.

So the celebration of their beloved King was a very special occasion indeed for the Bhutanese.

The world-renown sand performance artist Kseniya Simonova was invited by the King of Bhutan, to perform a special story dedicated to His Father.

Kseniya performed this special story in Bhutan before His Majesty the Fourth King, His Majesty The King, and the members of Bhutan's Royal Family. She performed a second time in the studio of the Bhutanese national television, BBS, which was broadcast live for the people of Bhutan to watch.

The magical quality of Kseniya's performance beautifully rendered a story that is close to the hearts of the people of Bhutan, and was greatly appreciated by the viewers.

More about Bhutan:
http://www.tourism.gov.bt
http://www.yellow.bt