Bhutan may be a tiny country on the map of the world but has come to be known as one of the most eco-friendly nations on our planet. When King Khesar and Queen Jetsun broke the news of the birth of their first child to world, thousands all over congratulated the new parents. However the people of their Kingdom did something wonderfully unique.
To ring in the birth of their new prince, the people of the Kingdom of Bhutan planted more than one lakh eight thousand saplings. According to a report in The Diplomat 82,000 of the 1,08,000 trees were planted by households while volunteers planted rest of the 26,000 across 14 districts.
The significance of 108
108 is considered sacred in Buddhism
Buddhism believes that to attain enlightenment one must overcome 108 temptations
According to a statement given to The Diplomat by Tenzin Lekphell who supervised the initiative, each of these saplings had a blessing for the new prince from the person who planted it and as the tree grows older and stronger so will the prince, to become healthier, stronger, wiser and more compassionate.
The ceremony of planting trees was initiated a month after the birth of the crown prince.
Around the same time the 'Happiness Garden' was also inaugurated in the capital city of Thimphu. This ten acre garden in Kuensel Phodrang will also be a tourist attraction. Here travellers will be able to plant a sapling or 'Happiness Tree' with their names on placards.
Bhutan Tourism also celebrated the event by planting 5,000 trees.
