Bhutan is derived from the Sanskrit name ‘bhu -uttam’ or a ‘sacred land’ famously we call Bhutan as ‘The land of thunderbolt’ lying in the lap of the Himalayas, Bhutan has relied on its geographic isolation to protect itself from outside cultural influences for centuries. A sparsely populated country bordered by India to the south, and China to the north, Bhutan has long maintained a policy of strict isolationism, both culturally and economically, with the goal of preserving it's cultural heritage and independence. Only in the last decades of the 20th century were foreigners allowed to visit the country, and only then in limited numbers. In this way, Bhutan has successfully preserved many aspects of its culture, which dates directly back to the mid-17th century.
Culture and Tradition
Bhutan is known for its unique culture and traditions. Bhutanese culture is one of the distinctive cultures in the world. As a tiny country with a very small population the need to preserve culture and tradition is amplified. This unique culture is a means of protecting the sovereignty of the nation. Bhutanese society is centered around the practice of Buddhism, which is the main religion. Religious beliefs are evidenced in all aspects of life. Prayer flags flutter on hillsides, offering up prayers to benefit all nearby sentient beings. The national dress code for man is called Gho and female is called Kira.
Festivals In Bhutan
The Tshechu is a religious event celebrated on tenth day of a month of the lunar calendar corresponding to the birthday of Guru Rimpoche (Guru Padmasambhava). However the exact month of the Tshechu varies from place to place and temple to temple. Tshechus are grand events where entire communities come together to witness religious mask dances, receive blessings and socialize. In addition to the mask dances, tshechus also include colorful Bhutanese dances and other forms of entertainment.
It is believed that everyone must attend a Tshechu and witness the mask dances at least once to in order to receive blessings and wash away their sins. Every mask dance performed during a Tshechu has a special meaning or a story behind it and many are based on stories and incidents from as long ago as the 8th century, during the life of Guru Padmasambhava. In monasteries, the mask dances are performed by monks and in remote villages, they are performed jointly by monks and village men. Two of the most popular Tshechus in the country are the Paro and Thimphu Tshechus in terms of participation and audience. Besides the locals, many tourists from across the world are attracted to these unique, colorful and exciting displays of traditional culture.
Flora and Fauna
Bhutan is considered as of the top ten bio-diversity hotspots in the world. For centuries Bhutan has treasured the natural environment. One the ancient names for Bhutan was " valleys of the medicinal herbs". 72% of the country is covered under forests . The government is determined to conserve this wealth and has set a national policy to maintain at least 60% of land under forest cover in years to come. Bhutan is blessed with rich exotic flora and fauna. There are 46 species of rhododendrons and over 300 types of medicinal plants. Junipers, magnolias, rare orchids, blue poppy (national flower) ,edelweiss, gentian , primulas, daphne, giant rhubarb, high altitude plants, tropical trees, pine and oak are also common sights.
Bhutan is a paradise to wide range of animals. The relative abundance of wild animals is attributed to the Buddhist reluctance to take life. Snow leopard, blue sheep, red panda, tiger, takin, marmot and musk deer are found in the higher regions. Temperate is habitat to tiger, leopard,goral, gray langur , Himalayan black bear, red panda ,sambar deer, wild pig and barking deer. In the lower parts of the Southern Bhutan mammals include tiger, clouded leopard, elephants,one horned rhinoceros, water buffalo, golden langur, gaur, swamp deer, hog deer horn bills and many more.
Wildlife of Bhutan
The Kingdom of Bhutan is a small, landlocked nation nestled in the southern slopes of the Eastern Himalaya. To its north lies the Tibet Autonomous Region of China and to the west, south and east lies the Indian states of Sikkim, Bengal, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. The terrain is some of the most rugged in the world, characterised by huge variations in altitude. Within the 150 miles between the southern and northern borders, Bhutan's elevation rises from 150 to more than 7,500 metres. This great geographical diversity combined with equally diverse climate conditions contributes to Bhutan's outstanding range of biodiversity and ecosystems.
The tiger, one-horned rhino, golden langur, clouded leopard, hispid hare and the sloth bear live in the lush tropical lowland and hardwood forests in the south. In the temperate zone, grey langur, tiger, common leopard, goral and serow are found in mixed conifer, broadleaf and pine forests. Fruit bearing trees and bamboo provide habitat for the Himalayan black bear, red panda, squirrel, sambar, wild pig and barking deer. The alpine habitats of the great Himalayan range in the north are home to the snow leopard, blue sheep, marmot, Tibetan wolf, antelope and Himalayan musk deer.
