Fourth King & Constitution Day

Fourth Druk Gyalpo’s Birthday and Constitution Day in Bhutan share November 11 in the official holiday calendar. Jigme Singye Wangchuck was born in 1955, became the Fourth Druk Gyalpo in 1972 and abdicated in 2006. His reign is associated with decentralisation, Gross National Happiness and the planned transition toward constitutional democracy, although each development involved institutions and policy over time rather than a single anniversary event.

Bhutan’s Constitution was adopted on 18 July 2008, not November 11. The holiday title pairs Constitution Day with the Fourth King’s birthday to recognise his role in initiating constitutional transition; it should not claim that the document entered into force on his birthday. Educational programmes can use the occasion to discuss constitutional monarchy, fundamental rights, duties, environmental commitments and the relationship between elected bodies and the Crown.

The Ministry of Home Affairs lists the combined occasion as a nationwide government holiday on Wednesday, 11 November in 2026. The signed calendar also notes that it coincides that year with Bhaiya Dooj Puja, but the national holiday entry remains the royal anniversary and Constitution Day. Public institutions may organise prayers, civic learning or cultural programmes, while private and essential services publish their own operating arrangements.