GUWAHATI: The King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk, embarked on his inaugural three-day journey to Assam on Friday, commencing his visit with a pilgrimage to the renowned Kamakhya Temple situated atop the Nilachal Hills in Guwahati.
Earlier in the day, the 43-year-old King from the neighboring Himalayan nation arrived at Guwahati's Lokpriya Gopinath International Airport (LGBIA), where he was warmly received by Assam's Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, along with his cabinet colleagues and state government officials.
Chief Minister Sarma extended a traditional Assamese 'Gamosa' as a gesture of welcome. The royal guest reciprocated the warm greeting by folding his hands in respect.
Following his arrival at the airport, the King proceeded to the Kamakhya Temple, where he was received by temple priests, Assam Tourism Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah, senior state officials, and the Kamrup Metro district administration.
Donned in a traditional Buddhist yellow robe, the King offered prayers in the temple's 'garbhagriha' (sanctum sanctorum) and performed 'parikrama' (circumambulation) around the temple. He also lit earthen lamps as an offering to the Goddess, as informed by the temple's Bor-Doloi (head priest), Kabindra Prasad Sarma.
The King expressed his intention to revisit the temple with his family in the future. The temple authorities presented a replica of the Kamakhya Temple to their royal visitor.
Upon his arrival at the airport, various cultural troupes representing different Assamese communities performed to welcome the King. He reciprocated their warm reception by waving at them from his vehicle.
In the afternoon, the King met with members of the Bhutanese diaspora at a local hotel. Later in the evening, Chief Minister Sarma paid a visit to the King. A cultural event followed by a dinner were hosted in honor of the royal guest by Governor Gulab Chand Kataria.
On Saturday, the King and his entourage are scheduled to visit the Kaziranga National Park, famous for its one-horned rhinoceros, where they will embark on a safari. The King will depart for New Delhi on Sunday from Jorhat.
Chief Minister Sarma expressed his elation in welcoming King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk on behalf of the people of Assam. In a Twitter post, he noted, ''Under the guidance of our Hon'ble Prime Minister, we look forward to the strengthening of the special relationship between our two countries.''
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