Uncommon Journeys into the Soul of Bhutan
Culture & Festivals
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Bhutan is the sole surviving custodian of a unique Himalayan Buddhist culture that has been a source of wonder and mystry to people all over the world for hundreds of years. This unique culture once existed in the independent Himalayan kingdoms of Tibet, Sikkim and Ladakh, but now it’s gone, probably forever. The world has been impoverished by the loss of this ancient culture, which is today unique to Bhutan where it both survives and flourishes. Unlike other countries, arts, ceremonies and festivals in Bhutan are not remnants of a bygone age. Arts and crafts are practised and ceremonies and festivals are performed because they continue to have a religious and spiritual significance. As such, they are the manifestations of a living culture.
Bhutan’s rich cultural traditions are found in the diversity that exists in different parts of the country. Although all Bhutanese share a common world view and sense of purpose, cultural differences are considerable, with each ethnic group making its own distinctive contribution to the nation’s living past. Within the country, there are differences in folklore, myths, legends, dance, poetry and crafts that together add richness to the nation’s cultural tapestry.
All cultures have their monuments. In Bhutan the synthesis of the culture is expressed in the Dzongs, massive monastic fortresses. A total of sixteen historical Dzongs have been recorded in Bhutan. All these Dzongs were built in the 17th century, but they are still a part of a living tradition. The Dzongs are actively utilized to house large monasteries and government offices.
Bhutanese architecture is one of the best expressions of the Kingdom’s unique character. Drawing inspiration from older forms and ideas, Bhutanese architects made each Dzong, temple, monastery and chorten a unique character and a true masterpiece. The traditional shapes, colors and patterns of the religious buildings, farmhouses, covered wooden bridges and prayer walls place Bhutanese architecture in a class of its own.
The living art of weaving is so important to the Bhutanese culture and everyday way of life that practically evey home has a loom. Weaving is an ancient skill identified with women. Young girls in villages begin learning the art of weaving from their mothers at an early age and become expert weavers at 18 or 19 years of age. The textile art is integrated into all aspects of life in Bhutan. Gifts of cloth mark important social transitions such as career promotions and marriages. Textiles are prestige, commodity, wealth, forms of payment, and capital, as well expressions of religious devotion.
As Buddhist philosophers say, “Culture lies not only in objects or monuments but also in mind and in compassion towards all sentient beings.” As a system of norms and values, Bhutan’s culture is reflected in the Bhutanese people’s way of thinking and attitude towards the world and to life. For centuries, people of Bhutan have preserved and lived in harmony with nature. Their belief are deeply rooted in the Buddhist compassion for all sentient beings that promoted values such as respect for all forms of life.
Cultural Events
Most Dzongs and monasteries have an annual festival, the most popular of which are the Tsechus and Drubs. The dates of Tsechus are given below. Click here to learn more about Festivals in Bhutan.
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