BHUTAN

– A PIECE OF HEAVEN

Bhutan is a small landlocked country, lying peacefully within the mighty Himalayas and bordered by India and China. It is not so populous. It has a population of 789912 people. It has recently transitioned from an absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy. Unlike other countries the king of Bhutan Jigme Singye Wangchuck believed that development could be achieved through many dimensions and that the economic goals alone were not sufficient for a country to prosper. He believed that the success of the country was to be measured by the happiness of its people; hence there was birth of Gross National Happiness (GNH). Bhutan is noted for pioneering the concept of gross national happiness and is the least corrupt country in the world.

Owing to the fact that Bhutan remained isolated for quite some time and that the country has a very low population the lands, hills, mountains and most of its nature remains beautiful without a single scratch. It also homes one of the highest mountains in the world which is also the highest unclimbed mountain of the world. Its forests and hills are rich with wide varieties of flora, fauna and animals. It proudly boasts around 300 species of medicinal plants, around 46 species of rhododendrons and sometimes magnolias, junipers, orchids, gentian, daphne, giant rhubarb, the blue. The hills are covered with trees like, fir, pine and oaks. It is enriched with over 670 species of birds out of which 415 species are the resident birds. Its primate life is also rich with a wide range of rare and endangered animals like the golden langur, the Bengal tiger, clouded leopard, hispid hare, the sloth bear , grey langur, goral, serow, Himalayan black bear, red panda, squirrel, sambar, wild pig, barking deer, the snow leopard, blue sheep, marmot, Tibetan wolf, antelope, Himalayan musk deer, wild water buffalo and the takin which happens to be Bhutan's national animal. So with all these animals, birds and floral diversity Bhutan today is one of the most sorted vacation spots of the tourists from around the world.

History

Existence of Bhutan as early as 2000 BC has been proved by some of the structures. It is believed that it was ruled by a Cooch Bihar king, Sangaldip around 7th century BC. Tibetan Buddhism was introduced in the 9th century when many monks came to Bhutan when chased by Tibet. The Drukpa Kagyupa school was established in the 12th century which today is the dominant form of Buddhism. Bhutan basically has remained independent throughout its history. It is one of those very few countries which was never conquered or occupied or governed by any outside power. It has continuously defended its sovereignty successfully. India and Bhutan signed the Treaty of Peace and Friendship in 1949, which provided that India would not interfere in Bhutan's internal affairs; instead it would guide its foreign policy. Gradually Bhutan began to come out of its isolation and began a program of planned development. Then in 1971 Bhutan became a member of the United Nations. Jigme Singye Wangchuck, ascended the throne at age 16, in the year 1972. It was after this that this country felt the rays of modernization. More emphasis was laid on modern education, decentralization of governance, development of hydroelectricity, rural developments and tourism. His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, abdicated all of his powers as King to his son, Prince Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, on December 15, 2006, specially intending to prepare the new and the young King for the country's transformation into a completely democratic form of government. March 2008 Bhutan transitioned to constitutional monarchy, claiming to be the youngest democracy in the world. Jigme Thinley was the first democratically elected Prime Minister of the country but in the second elections that took place in the year 2013 his Peace and Prosperity Party lost and another party the People’s Democratic Party came to power with Tshering Tobgay, a young Harvard educated man in his mid-forties as its leader. He is today the Prime Minister of Bhutan.

Culture & Tradition

Bhutan was very particular when it came to preserving its cultural heritage and independence hence the country did not open up its doors for the rest of the world till recent 20th century so its rich culture remained uninfluenced and unaffected by the cultures and traditions of the rest of the world. Tourists were welcomed only after the 20th century but only in limited numbers. Modern Bhutanese culture is derived from the ancient culture only. People converse here in Dzongkha and Sharchop. The appearance of the Bhutanese people is similar to that of the Tibetans and they both respect Guru Padmasambhava. The most followed religion around here is Buddhism as the majority of the population is also Bhutias. There are other religions being followed here but only in small percentage. Buddhists have a tradition of ting or poling flags of different colors outside their houses or in the monasteries after offering prayers so you will be able to see colorful flags fluttering everywhere. This lets us know how religious these people are. They are very strict when it comes to conducting some ceremony or offering prayers in some occasions. They stick to the rules. Tsechu, a religious festival is held by a dzong or most important village once a year. It is very lively and wonderful time. Mask dance is also performed in this festival. It usually last for two to four days. Bhutan has official behavioral code and dress code, it’s called Driglam Namzha. It comprises of ways, how to dress in public and how to behave in formal settings. It also lays down the manner and etiquette relating to how to eat and talk and to bow before the government officials. The staple foods of Bhutan are red rice, buckwheat and maize. It is accompanied with some other items like chicken, yak meat, dried beef, pork, pork fat, and lamb. Whatever the dish is Bhutan likes it spicy. One of the most famous dishes of Bhutan is Ema datshy. This is a must try dish.

Places to Visit

Rinpung Dzong :

This place is worth a visit because of its serene beauty and because the district Monastic Body and government administrative offices of Paro Dzongkhag are located here. It is also listed in Bhutan's Tentative List for UNESCO.

National Museum of Bhutan :

Established in 1968 this museum has over 3,000 works of Bhutanese art, which covers 1,500 years of Bhutan's cultural heritage.

Dechen Phodrang Monastery :

This monastery meaning “Palace of Great Bliss" is situated in Thimpu. It became a monastic school in 1971 holding 450 student monks enrolled in eight-year courses today.

Gangteng Monastery :

This Monastery is one of the main seats of the religious tradition based on Pema Lingpa's revelations. It is located in the Wangdue Phodrang District in central Bhutan.