Culture and Tradition – A living Past
Bhutan is a unique blend of the old and the new. Here is a country that is slowly opening in a fine balance with its ancient traditions. Bhutan is often described as a unique, deeply spiritual and mystical Kingdom. Religion and faith play a fundamental role and permeates in all aspects of lives of the people.
Rituals and Music The religious dances, rituals, folk music and dances form integral parts of all celebrations and social activities. No functions begin without a ritual to seek blessings. The Royal Academy of Performing Arts instituted by the government to preserve the traditional performing arts train professionals in the field of Bhutanese music, dance (both religious and folk) and songs.
Festivals
The Buddhist festival or tsechus are one of the prime examples of the living culture of Bhutan that many have come to admire and treasure. The tsechu is a festival in honour of Guru Rimpoche, the saint who brought Buddhism to Bhutan and the Himalayan world. Tsechus are held in almost every district attracting hundreds of Bhutanese people in a spirit of festivity, celebration and deep faith. Held on the tenth day of the Bhutanese month, these festivals last up to four days in which a series of highly stylized masked dance rituals are performed. Bhutanese come dressed in their best for the very special social occasion. Tsechus take place through out the country in every district at different times of the year. The smaller tsechus are often more interesting as visitors get a close and better perspective of a local festival. Apart from tsechus, folk festivals exist on a smaller, community scale that provides fascinating insight into local beliefs.
Architecture
The architecture of Bhutan is one of the Kingdom’s most visible distinct features. From the ordinary dwelling houses to the most impressive public structures such as Dzongs(fortresses), all architectural structures are strictly based on the unique architectural designs of Bhutan, thereby preserving them in their finest forms. The massive Dzongs (fortresses), the ancient monasteries and the humble farm houses stand out as an important part of the country’s landscape.
Textiles & Handicrafts
The contemplation and visualization of colours and patterns in arts and crafts is considered an integral part of worship and spiritual practice. Thus all forms celebrate colour and patterns in its most vivid and expressive form. Bhutanese textiles are renowned for their distinctive patterns inspired by nature and the textiles are now prized among collectors as a rare art-form that is being practiced only among a very small community in the remote Kingdom of Bhutan. Because of its importance, weaving receives Royal patronage and in order to help keep the tradition alive, competitions are held and prizes awarded. A Textile Museum has recently been established to generate interest and display the rich collection of most intricate fabrics woven over different periods. Bhutan’s arts and cratfs also reflect the unique spirit and identity of the Himalayan Kingdom.
The art of zorig chusu or the thirteen arts and crafts of Bhutan remains very much alive today. There are two institutes of Zorig Chusu where these traditional arts and crafts are being taught today. One in the capital Thimphu, and the other in Trashi Yangtse in eastern-Bhutan. Most handicraft emporiums and shops in town display hand woven textiles and other hand crafted artifacts, arts, crafts and souvenirs.
Traditional Medicine & Health Care The free health care system in Bhutan isa blend of modern and traditional medicine. The two system co-exist and are complementary, starting from the basic dispensaries to the natural hospitals. The institute of Traditional Medicinal Services in Thimphu has its own production unit and the hospital for indigenous treatment.
Flora & Fauna
The country’s forests have 7,000 vascular plants, 360 orchid species, 46 species of rhododendron and about 500 species of medicinal plants. Bhutan is home to 770 bird species that include 16 globally threatened species. Rare and endemic species like the golden langur also roam the jungles of Bhutan and the country is a true biodiversity heaven for nature lovers and specialists.
Bhutan Attractions
Culture and Tradition – A living Past
Bhutan is a unique blend of the old and the new. Here is a country that is slowly opening in a fine balance with its ancient traditions. Bhutan is often described as a unique, deeply spiritual and mystical Kingdom. Religion and faith play a fundamental role and permeates in all aspects of lives of the people.
Rituals and Music
The religious dances, rituals, folk music and dances form integral parts of all celebrations and social activities. No functions begin without a ritual to seek blessings. The Royal Academy of Performing Arts instituted by the government to preserve the traditional performing arts train professionals in the field of Bhutanese music, dance (both religious and folk) and songs.
Festivals
The Buddhist festival or tsechus are one of the prime examples of the living culture of Bhutan that many have come to admire and treasure. The tsechu is a festival in honour of Guru Rimpoche, the saint who brought Buddhism to Bhutan and the Himalayan world. Tsechus are held in almost every district attracting hundreds of Bhutanese people in a spirit of festivity, celebration and deep faith. Held on the tenth day of the Bhutanese month, these festivals last up to four days in which a series of highly stylized masked dance rituals are performed. Bhutanese come dressed in their best for the very special social occasion. Tsechus take place through out the country in every district at different times of the year. The smaller tsechus are often more interesting as visitors get a close and better perspective of a local festival. Apart from tsechus, folk festivals exist on a smaller, community scale that provides fascinating insight into local beliefs.
Architecture
The architecture of Bhutan is one of the Kingdom’s most visible distinct features. From the ordinary dwelling houses to the most impressive public structures such as Dzongs(fortresses), all architectural structures are strictly based on the unique architectural designs of Bhutan, thereby preserving them in their finest forms. The massive Dzongs (fortresses), the ancient monasteries and the humble farm houses stand out as an important part of the country’s landscape.
Textiles & Handicrafts
The contemplation and visualization of colours and patterns in arts and crafts is considered an integral part of worship and spiritual practice. Thus all forms celebrate colour and patterns in its most vivid and expressive form. Bhutanese textiles are renowned for their distinctive patterns inspired by nature and the textiles are now prized among collectors as a rare art-form that is being practiced only among a very small community in the remote Kingdom of Bhutan. Because of its importance, weaving receives Royal patronage and in order to help keep the tradition alive, competitions are held and prizes awarded. A Textile Museum has recently been established to generate interest and display the rich collection of most intricate fabrics woven over different periods. Bhutan’s arts and cratfs also reflect the unique spirit and identity of the Himalayan Kingdom.
The art of zorig chusu or the thirteen arts and crafts of Bhutan remains very much alive today. There are two institutes of Zorig Chusu where these traditional arts and crafts are being taught today. One in the capital Thimphu, and the other in Trashi Yangtse in eastern-Bhutan. Most handicraft emporiums and shops in town display hand woven textiles and other hand crafted artifacts, arts, crafts and souvenirs.
Traditional Medicine & Health Care
The free health care system in Bhutan is a blend of modern and traditional medicine. The two system co-exist and are complementary, starting from the basic dispensaries to the natural hospitals. The institute of Traditional Medicinal Services in Thimphu has its own production unit and the hospital for indigenous treatment.
Flora & Fauna
The country’s forests have 7,000 vascular plants, 360 orchid species, 46 species of rhododendron and about 500 species of medicinal plants. Bhutan is home to 770 bird species that include 16 globally threatened species. Rare and endemic species like the golden langur also roam the jungles of Bhutan and the country is a true biodiversity heaven for nature lovers and specialists.