King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck led Bhutan in honouring the late Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister of India, with a solemn prayer ceremony at the Kuenrey of Tashichhodzong.
The ceremony, held on Friday, was attended by Bhutan’s Prime Minister, the Ambassador of India to Bhutan, and senior officials of the Royal Government and the Government of India. Similar prayer ceremonies were held across all 20 Dzongkhags, according to an official Facebook post by Wangchuk.
“His Majesty The King, His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, and Their Majesties the Queen Mothers offered Karmi Tongchoed (one thousand butter lamps) in memory of the late former Prime Minister,” the post read.
As a mark of respect for the late former Prime Minister and in solidarity with the Government and people of India, all national flags across the country and at Bhutan’s embassies, missions, and consulates abroad are being flown at half-mast, the post added.
Dr. Singh passed away on Thursday at AIIMS Delhi at the age of 92 due to age-related ailments. He was cremated earlier today with full state honors at Nigambodh Ghat in Delhi’s Kashmere Gate, in the presence of family, friends, colleagues, and dignitaries.