The tiny Himalayan nation of Bhutan crowned its fifth king Thursday after a two-year wait for the precise moment deemed most favorable by court astrologers for a successful reign.At exactly 8:31 a.m. local time King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, 52, placed the Raven Crown on the head of his son, 28-year old Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck, giving him the title of Druk Gyalpo, or Dragon King.The ceremony, symbolizing the strength of the monarchy, was seen as a deeply reassuring moment for the last independent Himalayan Buddhist kingdom — once one of the most cutoff, tightly controlled places on earth, but now slowly opening up to the uncertainties of modernity and vagaries of democracy.Conducted in the Tashichho Dzong, a massive 17th century white-walled fortress that serves both as administrative headquarters and a monastic center, the coronation was an elaborate display of color, mingled with sacred Buddhist rituals.After being greeted by troupes of brightly clad dancers, who whirled through the frigid morning air to the sounds of drums, cymbals and trumpets, the royal family, heads of government and the chief abbot went up to the throne room.There, the new king received his satin and silk crown topped with an embroidered raven’s head, from his father before taking his seat on the intricately carved golden throne, which is decorated with a large bowl of fruit.The new king then proceeded through an honor guard, past three massive four-story high banners depicting the lives of Buddha and the gurus who brought the faith to Bhutan, to the temple on the other side of the fortress.