Anthem History | "Druk tsendhen" (The Thunder Dragon Kingdom) is how Bhutanese also refer to their country. The music is reminiscent of the native style of music in that region. The composer of the anthem was trained in India, becoming that country's first bandmaster. After his return to Bhutan, the Indian prime minister paid a visit to the country, and the anthem was composed for the occasion, at the request of the Bhutanese king. The original tune was based on the folk song "thri nyampa med pa pemai thri" ("The Unchanging Lotus Throne"). An interesting note is that the folk song has choreography that goes along with it, making this possibly the only national anthem to be based on a choreographical work. |
Anthem Lyrics |
Druk tsendhenDruk tsendhen koipi gyelkhap na Loog ye ki tenpa chongwai gyon Pel mewang ngadhak rinpo chhe Ku jurmey tenching chhap tsid pel Chho sangye ten pa goong dho gyel Bang che kyed nyima shar warr sho. |
Anthem Lyrics English |
In the Thunder Dragon Kingdom, where cypresses grow Refuge of the glorious monastic and civil traditions, The King od Druk, precious sovereign, His being is eternal, his reign prosperous The enlightenment teachings thrive and flourish May the people shine like the sun of peace and happiness! |