History & Culture of Bhutan

Bhutanese history traces back to 450 AD, WHERE Bhutan has never been conquered or ruled by another foreign power. The Name ‘Bhutan’appears to be derived from the Sanskrit ‘Bhotant’ meaning ‘the end of the Tibet’ or from ‘Bhu-uttan’ meaning ‘ High Land’. Though known as Bhutan to the outside world, the Bhutanese themselves refer to their country as ‘ Druk Yul OR the ‘Land of Thunder Dragon’. ‘Druk’ meaning ‘Dragon’ and extending from the predominant Drukpa school of Tibetan Buddhism.

History speaks that Bhutan is one among few countries in the world which remained independent throughout its history, unoccupied, unconquered and ungoverned by any outside powers. Despite its small size and poor military power Bhutan has continuously and successfully defended its sovereignty. Most of the Bhutan’s early history is steeped in mythology and remains obscure, however there are evidences that it was inhabited as early as 2000 BC but nothing much can be exposed until the introduction of Tibetan Buddhism to Bhutan in 9^th century. The country’s political history is intimately tied to its religious history as religion plays the superior role in all the spheres.

Drukpa Kagyupa School was established in the 12^th century Phajo Drugom Zhigpo which remains the dominant form of Buddhism in Bhutan today. The unification of Bhutan took place in 1616 AD when Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, a political refugee and a great saint came to Bhutan because of turmoil in Tibet. He defeated the Tibetan invasions and subjugated rival religious known as Lam kha Nga and established himself as the ruler over a system of ecclesiastical and civil administrators. Before his arrival, Bhutan was divided into several petty rulers and occasional battles between them. And after his death the problems started again for the next two centuries until 1885 when Ugyen Wangchuck was able to consolidate power and cultivate closer ties with the British.

Bhutan turned into a hereditary monarchy in the year 1907, when Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck was elected as the first king of of the land of thunder dragon. In 1910 the Treaty of Punakha was signed between Bhutan and British India which exclusively stated that British India would interfere in the external affairs and relation of the country but not interfere in the internal affairs. In 1926 after the death of first king, his son Jigme Wangchuck took over the thorn. It was during his reign India got its freedom from the British rule and the two countries signed the Treaty of Peace and Friendship in 1949. Succeeded by his son Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in 1952, Bhutan then broke its age old isolation and opened its doors to external world. Bhutan became a member of the United Nations in 1971. And Bhutan got its National Assembly, Royal Bhutanese Army and the High court. Bhutan also undertook social modernization, abolishing slavery and the caste system, emancipating women and enacting land reforms. After the early death of Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, his son Jigme Singye Wangchuck was enthroned at the age of 17, who is the youngest leader in the world. Despite his tender age, he was very capable of taking the responsibility of the state and took the country to a new height of development and prosperity. The king focused on modern education, decentralization of governance, economic development (hydroelectricity and tourism) and rural improvement. He introduced the concept of GNH and made it the developing philosophy of Bhutan, which has now been known to the whole world. He emphasized that happiness is more important than wealth. After Bhutan got into new era of change and development, the fourth king abdicated the throne and was succeeded by his son Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck in 2008.

Hereditary Monarchy System of the government has reigned the country for 100 years, and in 2008 it was willfully transformed into constitutional Democratic Monarchy by the Fourth Drk Gyalpo His Majestry Jigme Singye Wangchuk. Today Bhutan also became a constitutional democracy in 2008 after hundred years of hereditary monarchy.  Bhutan is a young democratic nation under the glorious reign of fifth King of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck as the supreme Head of the country and with His Holiness Je Khenpo Trulku Jigme Choeda, the Head of Spiritual Sector and Prime Minister, head of the Government/ ExecutiveC

CULTURAL HERITAGE

Bhutanese culture and Buddhist influence go hand-in-hand. The influence of religion is highly visible in everyday life and is a major reason for Bhutan’s spiritual and cultural legacy. The hundreds of sacred monasteries, stupas, religious institutions, prayer flags and prayer wheels make Buddhism a faith that nowadays still is very alive and probably always will be in the kingdom. Not only this makes Bhutan a very authentic country; it is also because of the traditional woven garments the people wear, the typical robust yet refined architecture and the splendid cultural festivals which are steeped in Buddhism. All of these combined make Bhutan into a unique cultural setting.

 All religious ceremonies and rituals (and there are many!) are regularly performed,with reverence for all of life. All Bhutanese families go on a pilgrimage on auspicious days, offering prayers and butter lamps to the gods of the Himalayas. National and regional festivals coincide with the seasons, happening all year round.

Bhutan might globally be a small country, yet it holds a very strong identity and unity. The rich cultural heritage is strongly promoted by its government.Although modernization is slowly making its way, generating urban settlements and introducing computers, mobile phones and other Western modernizes, most of Bhutan’s people still live quietly in small remote villages. The predominant way of life are small family farms and Bhutan’s number one occupation is being a farmer.

TRADITIONAL DRESS

Bhutan’s culture is very much alive and expressed in everything, including the traditional clothing its people have been wearing for centuries. While machine milled traditional clothing is popular for daily wear, the traditionally woven dress is worn on all formal occasions including working in the office. At birth, marriage, death and promotion gifts of cloth are offered. On formal occasions, the Bhutanese wear their best hand-woven clothes.

The woman’s kira is an ankle length dress. Made from finely woven fabrics, the kira has traditional and beautifully colored patterns. Under the kira, woman wear a wonju (blouse) which is held in place over the shoulder with a koma (silver buckle). Decorations, colors and texture determine the woman’s social status and class. Usually over the dress a toego (open jacket) is worn.The outfit is completed by necklaces made from turquoise, corals, pearls and the precious agate eye stone. These ‘dzi beads’ are called ‘tears of the gods’.

The men wear a gho, tied in place at the waist with a small hand-woven kera (belt). Above the kera a large pouch is formed in which the men can carry traditional items like betel nut and a bowl. The costume is completed with long socks and shoes or traditional handmade boots, sometimes with beautiful designs embroidered on them in the most splendid colors.

FESTIVALS

Bhutan’s colorful festivals definitely will leave a big impression on all visitors.Although they are very joyful and the local alcohol arra is drunk abundantly,all festivals are holy spiritual events and its attendees gain merit for the next life.

Tshechus

Tshechus were established during the 17^th century and have a religious background. Sword dances and other religious rites are performed by monks or village elders, wearing the most astonishing bright and symbolical costumes and masks. Each dance has its own spiritual importance and is meant to teach the visitors about the Buddhist teachings (Dharma), freeing them from evil and protecting them from accidents.

The tshechus take place each year at the dzongs, either in spring or autumn,arranged according to the lunar calendar. They are celebrated for three to five days and all public is welcome. The festivals are held in the courtyards and temples of the dzongs which come alive with music, color and dancing, watched by people in their finest clothes. Purpose of the tshechus is not only to educate the people, but they also provide a forum for social gatherings and contacts. The largest and most important tshechus happen during spring and falling Thimphu, Paro and Bumthang. It’s also the time when foreign tourism is atits highest.

Dromchoes 

The dromchoes are dedicated to the protecting deities of Bhutan’s different drukpas (districts). Early spring the most famous dromchoe takes place at the Punakha dzong in honor of Mahakala, the protecting spirit of Punakha. Combat cantos,songs and dances are performed as well as the Marching Ceremony, executed by the traditional military called Pazaps.

Tse Chu

Another festival which is very special to attend, is a Tsechu. These religious monastery festivals are held all over Bhutan and their purpose is to exorcise evil spirits, to reconcile the gods and to ask for a good harvest. Just like the tshechus and dromchoes, during Tsechu the dzong’s monks wear beautiful costumes and masks, supported by the impressive tunes of the festival’s music.

Festival dates

Bhutan knows many festivals and their dates are set far ahead. Note though that in some areas, especially outside Thimphu and Paro, festival dates can change without notice. Therefore you better confirm dates for local festivals with the authorities of the different dzongs or dzongkhags. You can also contact the Bhutan Tourism Corporation Limited, which lists the main and best known festivals. All of the festival dates are based on the Lunar Buddhist Calendar and vary from year to year.

ARCHITECTURE

In terms of quality and originality, Bhutanese architecture is without doubt one of the best expression of country’s unique character. Almost completely isolated for many centuries by its complex geography, Bhutan has indeed seen very few changes in its architectural system since the earliest times. The main roots of its architecture goes to Tibet, which was itself in relation with China and faraway Persia thanks to traders travelling on silk route. Drawing inspiration from older forms and ideas, the architects of Bhutan developed a style which is peculiar to their own country. Displaying a great sense of innovation, they made each dzong, temple and monastery a unique creation,different from all others but at the same time maintaining a perfect unity of architectural style throughout the country. Each of these buildings was designed and built to harmonize with the environment and fulfill certain specific functions and many of them are true master pieces.

Dzongs
The great fortresses known as ‘dzongs’ are among the most striking example of Bhutanese architecture. Rising proudly at strategic places, at the entrance to the valley, at the summit of a hill or at the confluence of two rivers, dzongs are built on a grand scale without the help of any drawings and held without a single nail and are outstanding examples of the best in Bhutanese architecture. Reflecting a certain view of religion, society and spatial organization, the dzongs symbolize the history and long independence of Bhutan.

Chortens
The commonest structures in Bhutan are not the great fortresses but chortens, which are also known as stupas. There are numerous chortens all over the country, ranging in size from very small to large. Witness to the profound faith of the Bhutanese, they can be found at crossroads, near a dzong or a monastery and on high mountain passes and all of them have an indefinable presence, radiating serenity and peace.

Lhakhang
Lhakhang (temples) are fairly small building of simple design, seem to have been the first forms of religious architecture.Built in simple design they are likely to comprise one storey around a small enclosed courtyard and differ from ordinary houses by red band painted on the upper part of their walls and an ornament of gilded copper on the roof. Inside,the walls are completely covered with religious paintings.

Goemba
Bhutanese Goembas (monasteries) can be divided in two types :- ‘Cluster type’ which consists of a core formed by one or two temples with various dwelling structures grouped around such as Dzongdrakha in Paro valley , Phajoding in Thimphu valley and Tharpaling in the Bumthang valley. The second category ‘Dzong type’ is built like fortress with the central tower enclosing the temple and surrounded by exterior walls against which are built monks cells and service rooms. The most impressive example of dzong type goembas are monastery of Gangtey and Tango in upper Thimphu valley.

Village houses
The villages of Bhutan often take the form of small hamlets of between 5 to 15 houses, arranged in such a way as to mitigate the harsher effects of the climate. They are built close together to provide mutual protection against the wind and the cold. Typical Bhutanese houses are found at altitudes of 1000 to 3000 meters. The general pattern is almost same throughout the country.

Talk about Bhutan and you talk automatically about Buddhism.This religion is integrated in all aspects of  the country, including architecture. Typical is the degree of uniformity: all structures correspond with traditional designs. You see this reflected in the chortens (stupa’s),temples, monasteries, fortresses, houses, mansions and farms. Although there is a clear commonality, each Bhutanese valley has its own architectural character. The differences are found in the building material that’s been used,ranging from mud to stone, and the special ambiance that’s so typical forits dzongs and monasteries.

Dzongs

In the 12th century dzongs were introduced to Bhutan. All dzongs are based on the same layout, but each has its’ own unique design. The outer walls and buildings are the circumference with at its’ heart a central temple, often in a big courtyard. The dzongs are not only beautifully designed, you’ll also find many art treasures here.

Each valley has a dzong as a striking landmark. They are often build atop steep ridges, strategical outlook points or between fast flowing rivers. Whereas these massive ancient monastery castles where built for defense, they nowadays have become a symbol of security and stability, serving as headquarters for the civil and monastic administration of each district. Bhutan’s most famous monastery is the Taktsang dzong (Tiger’s Nest).

Monasteries

It’snot surprising that a country so naturally influenced by Buddhism, counts over 2000 monasteries. Everywhere you look, even in the most remote areas, you’ll find a monastery of some kind. All monasteries have a maroon band near the top of the building. Sitting atop some monasteries, you even find a golden ‘sertog’ or pinnacle. The monasteries spiritually serve the communities living around them. They are often the center of cultural, religious, secular and administrative events, hosting important ceremonies and festivals.

Chortens (Stupas)

Just like several other Asian countries, Bhutan is home of thousands of chortens. In Buddhism, these stupas symbolize a cistern. They indicate the people’s deep faith. Even today many new chortens are built. There are eight different forms or styles of chortens, like the mani dungkhorhousing a large prayer wheel or the chortens with an archway over a trail. Bhutan’s most important chorten is the National Memorial Chorten. This stupa with wonderful statues and wall paintings is dedicated to Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, Bhutans third king.

NATIONAL SPORTS

Archery

Bhutans absolute # 1 sport is archery. Each village has its’ own archery range and every festival knows a high-spirited competition. Archery tournaments happen all through the year on local, inter-village and national level. Teams of archers use bamboo bows, shooting at wooden targets only 30 centimeters in diameter from a distance of 140 meters. The wooden targets are embellished with bright colorful patterns. Although the major role is reserved for the archers,their supporters are maybe just as important, encouraging them strongly and trying to off the opposition with a lot of noise, supported by the arra (alcohol) which flows from dusk until dawn, keeping the spirits high. If you get the change to visit an archery tournament, let yourself be immersed in a great excitement, initiation ceremonies, wild dances, singing, jeering and near-primitive howls.

Archery is a favourite sport in Bhutan

Football

Although football is not as big as in many other countries across the world, Bhutan does have its own national football team. In 2002 their team became penultimate of the national teams, ranking 202nd. June 30^th, the day of the world final in Japan, was a historical event. For the first time in history,Bhutan’s national team won an international match. They defeated Montserrat(ending last in the rankings) with 4-0.

Golf

The Royal Thimphu Golf Course is the only public golf course in Bhutan. Nestled in the Himalayan valley of Thimphu, it offers a challenging nine-hole (par 33)course. While you are there, enjoy a marvelous meal in the restaurant at the golf course, one of Thimphu’s best. The course is about 35 years old, has about 100 members and is open all year.