 CULTURE
 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.
FESTIVALS
Festivals in Bhutan are broadly of three kinds, a) religious festivals, b) secular festivals and c) festivity of the new years.
 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 8th 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 17th December 1907; His Majesty the King’s birthday on 11th of November and coronation day on the 2nd 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).
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