Bhutan (Drukyul – Land of Thunder dragon) is a small independent sovereign country in the eastern Himalayas of Asia. Even if Bhutan is a moderately developed nation placed in between colossal countries like China and India with an approximate population of 800,000, Bhutan has uniquely created its mark in the world. It stands for being the only carbon-negative country with extravagant forest coverage and natural wildlife.
Mainly because of the wise concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH) Bhutan has not only a serene atmosphere with a hospitable society and loving monarchs but also various natural hotspots to attract visitors from all around the world. Bhutanese people have strong faith and dedication to their religion.
Their faith in god and the good aspects of humanity is what binds the citizens with the brotherly sense of belongingness as ‘one nation, one people. The state religion of the Kingdom of Bhutan is Vajrayana Buddhism, the most scholarly teaching in the Buddhist world.
However, only about three-fourths of its population is Buddhist and around one-fourth population follows Hinduism, and merely one percent accounts for Christianity and non-religious communities.
However, the uncolonized land had its share of civil strife until 1907, when unanimity brought all Bhutanese together and handed the reins of governance to the then Trongsa Penlop (Governor), Ugyen Wangchuck. It was December 17, 1907, and the Wangchuck Dynasty was born. After decades of self-imposed isolation, Bhutan took a new road, embarking on a development model borrowed from the then USSR – the Five–Year –Plans. It was the early sixties and within a decade Bhutan achieved what has taken other nations even centuries.
Historical facts concerning Monyul
However, Bhutan’s visionary Leaders knew that development was a double-edged sword. The Middle Path to development was adopted, with cautious steps, to ensure that its culture and environment remained intact. Medievalism and modernity moved together hand in hand. Natural bounties, both flora, and fauna were protected.
The fruits of this unique approach are manifested in the Bhutanese way of life; embodied in the hundreds of prayer flags, temples, and stupas that dot the country and epitomized in its name as a haven for protected flora and fauna. Bhutan could be called a museum showcasing what the world has lost.
Bhutan Architecture
The architecture of Bhutan is one of the kingdom’s most visible distinctive & exotic features. From ordinary farmer’s houses to the most impressive and commanding public structures like Dzongs (Fortress), Lhakhang (Temples), and Chortens (stupas), all architectural styles are strictly based on the unique architectural designs of Bhutan. The traditional Bhutanese architecture is unique and has no nails and iron bars. The Arts And Crafts Of Bhutan were heavily influenced by religious beliefs and stand as a witness to the domestic structure over the centuries.
Bhutanese people are very pious and the importance of Buddhism is evident in every aspect of their life of the Bhutanese people.
Zorig Chusum: The Thirteen Traditional Crafts of Bhutan
Essential parts of Bhutan’s cultural heritage are the thirteen traditional arts and crafts that have been practiced from time immemorial. These arts were formally categorized during the reign of Gyalse Tenzin Rabgay, the fourth temporal ruler of Bhutan. The thirteen arts and crafts are categorized as follows.
- Dezo
- Dozo
- Garzo
- Jimzo
- Lhazo
- Lugzo
- Parzo
- Shagzo
- Thagzo
- Troeko
- Tshazo
- Tshemzo
Described as a natural paradise, while the world mourns the loss of its ecology, Bhutan has emerged as an example to the international community, an icon of preservation policies, with about 70 percent of its land still under forest and a great variety of rare plant and wildlife species. Its constitution mandates that under any circumstance 60 percent of its area should remain under forest cover.
One of the ten biological hotspots of the world, Bhutan is home to over 5,400 species of plants, including 300 species of medicinal plants, some thriving even at 3,700m above. It has 369 species of orchids, of which 82 are unique to the mountain country. Bhutan also boasts 46 rhododendron species.
Located between China and India, Bhutan’s terrain ranges from the subtropical foothills in the south, through the temperate zones, to dizzying heights of over 7,300 meters (24,000 feet). In Historical records, Bhutan was known as Lhojong Menjong ‘the Southern Valley of Medicinal Herbs.’ Besides these rare herbs, the Bhutanese seasons are reflected in full color by wildflowers and plants, which carpet the mountainsides.
The most distinctive characteristic of Bhutanese cuisine is its spiciness. Chilies are an essential part of nearly every dish and are considered so important that most Bhutanese people would not enjoy a meal that was not spicy.
Rice forms the main body of most Bhutanese meals. It is accompanied by one or two side dishes consisting of meat or vegetables. Pork, beef, and chicken are the meats that are eaten most often. Vegetables commonly eaten include Spinach, pumpkins, turnips, radishes, tomatoes, river weed, onions, and green beans. Grains such as rice, buckwheat, and barley are also cultivated in various regions of the country depending on the local climate.
The following is a list of some of the most popular Bhutanese dishes:
- Ema Datshi: This is the National Dish of Bhutan. A spicy mix of chilies and the delicious local cheese is known as Datshi. This dish is a staple of nearly every meal and can be found throughout the country. Variations on Ema Datshi include adding green beans, ferns, potatoes, and mushrooms, or swapping the regular cheese for yak cheese.
- Momos: These Tibetan-style dumplings are stuffed with pork, beef, cabbages, and cheese. Traditionally eaten during special occasions, these tasty treats are a Bhutanese favorite.
- Phaksha Paa: Pork cooked with spicy red chilies. This dish can also include Radishes or Spinach. A popular variation uses sun-dried (known as Sikaam). Hoentoey: Aromatic buckwheat dumplings stuffed with turnip greens, datshi (cheese), spinach, and other ingredients.
- Jasha Maru: Spicy minced chicken, tomatoes, and other ingredients that are usually served with rice.
- Red Rice: This rice is similar to brown rice and is extremely nutritious and filling. When cooked it is pale pink, soft, and slightly sticky.
- Goep (Tripe): Though the popularity of tripe has diminished in many countries it is still enjoyed in Bhutan. Like most other meat dishes, it is cooked with plenty of spicy chilies and chili powder.
It is believed that Bhutan was inhabited as early as 2000 B.C. due to the presence of early stone implements discovered in the region.
The country was originally known by many names including Lho Jong, ‘The Valleys of the South’, Lho Mon Kha Shi, ‘The Southern Mon Country of Four Approaches’, Lho Jong Men Jong, ‘The Southern Valleys of Medicinal Herbs, and Lho Mon Tsenden Jong, ‘The Southern Mon Valleys where Sandalwood Grows’. Mon was a term used by the Tibetans to refer to Mongoloid, non-Buddhist peoples that populated the Southern Himalayas.
The country came to be known as Druk Yul or The Land of the Drukpa sometime in the 17th century. The name refers to the Drukpa sect of Buddhism which has been the dominant religion in the region since that period.
Initially, Bonism was the dominant religion in the region that would come to be known as Bhutan. Buddhism was introduced in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo and further strengthened by the arrival of Guru Rinpoche, a Buddhist Master that is widely considered the Second Buddha.
Bhutan is also well known for mural paintings & Traditional Bhutanese Painting. For example the cosmic Mandalas at the entrance of dzongs and temples. Legends of Buddha are normally represented on wall paintings. The banner paintings are shown only during important religious festivals and ceremonies. They show gods & goddesses in artistic & colorful combinations and are very imaginative.
Crafts are sold very expensively in Bhutan, specially woven fabrics. They are not made for selling to tourists. Many women, especially in central and eastern Bhutan, weave at home. They do not belong to any particular social group or corporation but are simple village women who use their spare time to weave clothes for their families and sell what is left over. Most craftsmen, except goldsmiths and painters, are peasants who produce craft products, particularly daily articles and fabrics during their free time.
Examples of renowned specialties from different regions are the silks from eastern Bhutan, woolen products from Bumthang, Bamboo wares from Kheng (central Bhutan), Brocade from Lhuentse, wooden crafts from Trashiyangtse (eastern Bhutan), gold & silver work from Thimphu and yak hair goods from the northern region of Lingzhi & Laya.
- National Flag: The National flag is divided diagonally into two halves. The upper yellow half signifies the secular power and authority of the king while the lower saffron-orange symbolizes the practice of religion and the power of Buddhism, manifested in the tradition of Drukpa Kagyu. The dragon signifies the name and the purity of the country while the jewels in its jeweled claws stand for the wealth and perfection of the country.
- National Bird: The national bird is the raven.
- National Emblem: The National Emblem of Bhutan is a circle that projects a double-diamond thunderbolt placed above the lotus. There is a jewel on all sides with two dragons on the vertical sides. The thunderbolts represent the harmony between secular and religious power while the lotus symbolizes purity. The jewel signifies the sovereign power while the dragons (male and female) represent the name of the country Druk Yul or the Land of the Dragon.
- National Flower: The national flower is the Blue Poppy (Meconopsis Grandis).
- National Animal: The national animal is the Takin (Burdorcastaxicolor) which is associated with religious history and mythology.
- National Tree: The national tree is the cypress (Cupressustorolusa).
- National Sport: The national sport is Archery (Dha). The bow and arrow play a significant role in many Bhutanese myths and legends; images of the gods holding a bow and arrows are considered especially favorable.
