The coronation of Bhutan's fifth king, Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk, on November 7-8 promises to be a grand spectacle.
Adding colour to the coronation ceremony -- to be held in capital Thimpu -- will be a series of special performances choreographed by Padma Shri Astad Deboo.
Astad will be backed on stage by 30 pungcholam drummers from Manipur in a signature style that comprises equal parts movement, rhythm sound and spectacle.
The world's youngest reigning monarch (29 years old) will witness the first performance, sponsored by the government of India, on November 7. Astad Deboo's performance will be followed by shows where he hopes to create a jugalbandi with Bhutanese performers.
The high-profile guest list from India includes President Pratibha Patil, United Progressive Alliance Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee.
The performance is being seen as a cultural cementing of ties between the two countries that already share a good political rapport.
