Resting peacefully in the lap of the eastern Himalayas is Bhutan, the kingdom of the  Thunder Dragon. It shares its border in the North with China and with India in the East, West and South. Divided into three zones of Southern foothills, central region and higher mountain ranges the country boasts one of the richest flora and fauna on earth. High, rugged mountains and an intricate network of deep valleys, ravines and waterfalls characterize the kingdom’s physical features. Its eco-system is home to some of the most exotic species of birds, animals and plants. Thanks to these natural endowments, Bhutan has been acknowledged as one of the 10 bio-diversity hot spots in the world. The pristine environment and its unspoiled beauty is a welcome respite for both young and old, who wish to get away from the pangs of city life.

The Bhutanese practice the Drukpa Kagyud or the Tantric form of Mahayana Buddhism as the official religion. Hinduism is also followed by certain group of people residing in the South. The way the Bhutanese people live is significantly influenced by religion. The Bhutanese accord great respect to all sentient beings and it is considered a sin to harm, hurt or kill any living thing, even if it is only a fly. Riding on the philosophy of compassion and forgiveness the Bhutanese live in harmony with their natural surroundings. The great Buddhist saint Guru  Padmasambava is credited to have first introduced Buddhism when he visited Bhutan in the 8th century. Many Buddhist scholars further propagated the teachings of the Buddha. The most notable among them were Lam Phajo Drugom Zingpo who visited Bhutan in the 13th century and Lam Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel who came to Bhutan in the 17th century. It was the charismatic and spiritual leader Lam Zhabdrung who unified the country under the single Drukpa rule. Other legendary scholars are tertoen Pema Lingpa [the treasure discoverer] and Lam Drukpa Kinley [also known as the divine madman]. The Buddhist people take refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. The philosophy and the essentials of Buddhism can be understood through logical reasoning and appropriate process of experiments. The cultivation of virtues such as kindness, generosity, compassion and forgiveness form the apex of Buddhist conduct. However the core of Buddhist teachings can be narrowed down to a single concept of ‘suffering’ and finding the means to overcome these sufferings. The final goal of Buddhism is the attainment of ‘Nirvana’ or the state of utmost bliss and eternal happiness. Nirvana can be gained or experienced through meditation and by detaching from all selfishness, illusion, hatred, greed and delusion.

BHUTANESE PEOPLE

 

The Bhutanese population is made up of three main ethnic groups, the ‘Ngalongs’ [the early risers to religion] settled in the west, the ‘Sharchops’ [the inhabitants of the eastern region] and the ‘Lhotshampas’ [the people living in the south]. Before the arrival of Buddhism to Bhutan the people were known as the ‘Monpas’ or the followers of Bon religion. The origin of the Ngalongs can be traced to Tibet whereas the Sharchops are supposed to have come from the northeast state of Arunachal Pradesh in India. The Lhotshampas are natives of Nepal who had migrated to Bhutan in the early part of the 20^th century. Apart from these three dominant ethnic groups other sub-groups are Layaps in the northwest, Brokpas in the northeast and Doyas in the southwest of Bhutan. The Bhutanese people are very friendly, modest, courteous and hospitable. They have a great sense of humor. The degree of equality enjoyed by Bhutanese women is truly amazing. The women do not face any form of discrimination, be it political, economical or social. Under the Bhutanese law women are treated at par with men. The Bhutanese men wear their traditional dress known as the ‘Gho’. It is a long robe tied at the waist by a small belt. The women wear the ‘Kira’, an ankle length costume made from colorful woven fabrics with traditional designs and patterns. They also wear the ‘Kabney’ or the traditional scarf for males and ‘Rachu’ for females.

CULTURE AND TRADITION

Bhutan is blessed with a rich and unique culture and tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. Bhutanese culture in any form always contains an element of religion. These cultural legacy and precious traditional values form an essential embodiment of the nation’s identity. Bhutan being a small nation with neither military supremacy nor economic strength, the preservation and promotion of its distinct cultural identity is seen as an important means for its survival as an independent and sovereign kingdom, especially as Bhutan is sandwiched between the two most populous countries of the world. Bhutanese people, under the wise rule of his majesty the king has made determined efforts to promote its rich spiritual and cultural heritage so that values and customs, which have given strength and resilience to Bhutan through the ages, are not eroded in the process of modernization.

Bhutan has an agrarian economy with more than 75% of the population living in the rural areas. Agriculture, livestock and forestry are the mainstay of the economy. Most of the farms and villages are located in the fertile river valleys. Mining and industries are situated in a few pockets, mostly in southern Bhutan. The service sector and the construction companies are more predominant in towns. It was only in the early 1960s that Bhutan came out from self-imposed isolation and opened its door to the outside world. Since then Bhutanese economy have undergone major transformation with the implementation of the Five Years Plans. In the last few decades Bhutan has become one of the fastest developing nations. Even though Bhutan has economic relations with many countries, majority of its trade is done with its closest neighbor India. The Bhutanese currency Ngultrum is valued at one to one parity with the Indian Rupee. The country’s development efforts are guided by the development philosophy of ‘Gross National Happiness’ [GNH]. His Majesty King Jigme Singye Wangchuck first enunciated the philosophy and objective of Gross National Happiness where he clearly stated that achieving GNH was more important than Gross National Product. GNH is supported by four important pillars of: a) economic growth and development, b) preservation and sustainable use of the environment, c) good governance and d) preservation and promotion of cultural heritage.

Until the year 1907 Bhutan had a dual system of government introduced by Lam Zhabdrung (1594-1651) who unified the nation under the single Drukpa rule. Under this dual system the Desi or civil regent held the civil authority or secular power and the Je Khenpo (lord Abbot) was the head of the monk body. But after centuries of instability and internal turmoil, a need was felt for a strong central state. Thus in the year 1907, Ugyen Wangchuck, then the Trongsa Penlop (regional administrator of Trongsa in central Bhutan) ascended the Golden Throne as the first Druk Gyalpo (king) of Bhutan through common consensus. The new form of government was known as the hereditary monarchy wherein the king held the supreme authority and the Je Khenpo continued as the religious head. On the passing away of the first king, Druk Gyalpo Jigme Wangchuck succeeded him as the second king of Bhutan. Druk Gyalpo Jigme Dorji Wangchuck was the third king. Bhutan’s present king His Majesty the Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck is the fourth in the lineage. His Majesty the King Jigme Singye Wangchuck has provided a wise and thoughtful leadership reinforced by his sincere commitment to the nation, its people, its progress and its wellbeing. Bhutan under His Majesty’s unique and courageous approach to development has in a very short time traveled from a state of feudal isolation into the modern world. Gross national happiness and maximum people’s participation are His Majesty’s leading principles; not just for the people but always by the people. A majestic step in this process of democratization was taken in the national assembly of 1998, when he voluntarily gave up his role in the day to day governance of the country, as a modern head of state should. The Government of Bhutan consists of three main branches: a) the executive, b) the legislative and c) the judiciary. The executive is made up of the council of ministers and royal advisory councilors. The legislative is made up of the King and the National Assembly composed of the elected representatives of the people, the monk body and the government. The Judiciary is made up of the Court system and its judges.

The national game of Bhutan is the archery and is played virtually all year around. Archery is an essential part of Bhutanese festivals. The traditional bow and arrows are made from a special variety of bamboo. Nowadays, people also use compound bows. Two targets are placed at each end of the archery range, which is usually not less than 200 meters long. The players use these targets alternatively. In a typical competition two teams, consisting of eleven players each, compete. A hit on the target is celebrated with a victory dance performed by the teammates. Women dance and sing to encourage their team and tease and mock the players of their opponents. Playing archery in Bhutan, especially during competition, is a serious business and involves a series of rituals. The local astrologers are consulted and offerings made to the local deities to seek their divine intervention. There are other kinds of traditional games played in Bhutan such as ‘Degor’, ‘Pungdo’, ‘Khuru’, and ‘Soksom’. Playing Degor involves throwing a flat pancake like stone at a target about 20 meters apart. The target is a small stick driven into the ground. The player who can get his stone closest to the stick gets the point. The Pungdo is similar to the western version of shot put. The Khuru is a dart game played outdoors with targets set at 20 meters apart. The Soksom involves throwing a long and slender bamboo spear to a target placed at a distance. Nowadays, with increasing western influence games such as football, basketball, volleyball, tennis, golf and most recently cricket are also played in the kingdom. Sports such as tae-kwondo and bodybuilding are taught in some schools and institutions in the country.

BHUTANESE ARCHITECTURE

As one  journeys through a nation frozen in time, one will witness grandiose structures that stand testimony to the richness of Bhutanese architecture. Imposing fortresses on spurs, temples and monasteries near the villages, Chortens (stupa in Sanskrit) along the path and Bhutanese houses are all examples of spectacular Bhutanese architecture. One distinct feature of Bhutanese architecture that stands out is that not a single nail is used in the construction of Dzongs (fortress) or houses. The splendid floral designs and magnificent patterns craved on  wooden pillars and beams of Dzongs, monasteries and houses enhance the essence of Bhutanese architecture. Most recently, with access to modern technology, new scientific technologies and raw materials are employed in construction. But utmost care is taken to blend the modern  with the traditional so that the precious values, the distinctive identity and the magnificent beauty of Bhutanese architecture is not lost.

Art in Bhutan is not seen as a display of  artistic talent nor is it pursued for personal gain or profit. Unlike in other countries, art or a painting in Bhutan is not a form of self-expression. In Bhutan an art or painting is first seen as a service and a humble contribution towards religion. Hence it is not very surprising to see that in Bhutan subject matter of paintings are dominated by religion. The ‘Thankas’ (scroll painting) are exemplary pieces of artwork in Bhutan. Thanka painting involves appliqué work of fine brocade on the painting. The very large thankas, which cover the whole wall of a monastery and fortress, is known as the ‘Thongdrol’ (liberation from sin by sight). Thongdrols are displayed to the public only once a year during festivals known as  ‘Tshechus’ (tenth day of Bhutanese month). The tenth day of the Bhutanese month is celebrated as the birth anniversary of the saint Guru Rimpoche. Other major forms of paintings are the wall murals and statue paintings. The kingdom of Bhutan is also known for its handicrafts. Handicraft items in wood, silver, bronze and other metal are popular and can be bought from various handicraft shops and showrooms in the capital  or other major towns.

The staple diet in Bhutan is rice accompanied with a spicy curry of chilly and cheese called ‘emadatsi’. People at higher altitudes eat ground wheat. Bhutanese foods are usually either hot or spicy. Meat and meat fats are considered a specialty in Bhutan. Almost all stews contain a little meat or bones. Yak meat and pork are the favorites of people residing in the northern and western part of the country. Beef and chicken are also consumed. ‘Phagsha- sikampa’ a dish made from dried slices of pork meat stewed with dried chilies and radishes, is a delicacy second only to emadatsi.

FESTIVALS

The most popular of the religious festivals is the ‘Tshechu’, which is staged to honor Guru Rimpoche who brought Buddhism to the kingdom in the 8^th century. Tshechu takes place on the tenth day of the Bhutanese month but most monasteries stage their own Tshechu at different times of the year. Domche is the next popular religious festival that is staged in some important Dzongs such as Thimphu and Punakha. Thousands of people come to witness the Tshechu and Domche dressed in their finest. These festivals usually last for three to five days and include mask dances and ritual dances to liberate viewers from their sins. The masked and mischievous clowns popularly known as the ‘atsaras’ entertain the crowds with vulgar jokes, teasing and tickling unsuspecting spectators. The religious festivals are an opportunity for the Bhutanese people to gain religious merit. It is also an occasion to socialize with other people.

The secular festivals includes celebrating the National Day that commemorates the establishment of the monarchy on 17^th December 1907; His Majesty the King’s birthday on 11^th of November and coronation day on the 2^nd of June of every year. These occasions are celebrated all around the kingdom.

The ‘New Years’ festivals are an opportunity for merry-making, playing archery or other traditional games among friends and family. During these ‘New Years’ Bhutanese celebrate no special religious events but certain ceremonies and rituals are dedicated to certain indigenous deities. The official lunar New Year (Gyelpoi Losar or Dhow Dangpai Losar) corresponds with the new moon in February. The New Year (Lomba) in places of Haa and Paro take place on the last day of the tenth lunar month. The New Year in the Eastern regions (Dhow Chuenip Losar or Sharchopai Losar) is celebrated at the beginning of January. Other festivals are winter solstice (Nyinlo) and the blessed rainy day (thue bup).