Bhutan was first unified in the early 17th century by the Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It was ruled under the Tibetan dual system of government led by the Zhabdrung - reincarnations of the mind, body and speech of Ngawang Namgyal.

In the late 19th century, Bhutan was being pulled apart by conflicts with Tibet and the British Empire.

This led to a power struggle between regional leaders with Ugyen Wangchuck, the Ponlop of Tongsa in central Bhutan emerging as the dominant figure in Bhutan, uniting the country and establishing better relations with British India.

The rise of Ugyen Wangchuck highlighted the ineffectiveness of the dual system and in November 1907, an assembly of religious leaders and, government officials was held, which decided to end the 300-year-old dual system of government and to establish a new absolute monarchy with Ugyen Wangchuck as the king.

December 17th 1907 saw the Coronation of His Majesty the First King of Bhutan, Druk Gyalpo Ugyen Wangchuck. This established the Wangchuck Dynasty which continues to rule Bhutan.

The Druk Gyalpo is the official title of the head of state of Bhutan, meaning "Dragon King" in Dzongkha.

This is Bhutan's most significant national holiday and is widely celebrated throughout the country.

All government offices and agencies will be closed on this occasion.