Indian spectacle at Bhutan king's coronation

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 [ Images ], 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 [ Images ], United Progressive Alliance [ Images ] Chairperson Sonia Gandhi [ Images ] and External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee [ Images ].

The performance is being seen as a cultural cementing of ties between the two countries that already share a good political rapport.