The Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Bhutan to the United Nations in New York hosted a reception on Tuesday, 13^th December at the International Institute of Education, in New York to commemorate the 109^th National Day of Bhutan.

The reception was attended by about 300 guests, comprising of Permanent Representatives/Ambassadors and diplomats of several Missions to the United Nations, Heads and Officials of the United Nation system in New York, friends and well-wishers of Bhutan in the US, Office bearers of the United Association of Bhutanese in New York and Bhutanese working at the United Nations.

On the evening of 17^th December, the Bhutanese community in New York joined the nation to celebrate the 109^th National Day of Bhutan at a cultural event and dinner organized by the United Association of Bhutanese in New York (UBANY). The evening celebrations began with the rebroadcast of His Majesty’s Address to the nation at the National Day celebrations in Trongsa.

The event was attended by over 300 people, comprising mainly of Bhutanese living in New York and US and friends of Bhutan. Traditional Bhutanese songs and dances were performed by the Bhutanese community in New York to celebrate the event.

The Bhutanese community in New York was also honored with the presence of His Holiness Dudjom Rimpoche Yangsi Tenzin Yeshey Dorji and Zhenpen Namgay Dawa Rimpoche who graced the celebration with their presence.

Kutshab Kunzang C. Namgyel, who was the Chief Guest for the event emphasized the significance of the 109^th National Day as it coincides with the 10^th anniversary of His Majesty’s reign as well as a time for the nation to celebrate the birth of His Royal Highness the Gyalsey.

A fund raising initiative to procure a community hall in New York for the Bhutanese community by UBANY was launched during the event. The community hall will serve as a place for Bhutanese to meet, interact and a venue to host religious and cultural events.

The event concluded with a Tashi Lebay.