If you don't know Bhutan, Now you can Know!
Bhutan is a small, landlocked country nestled in the eastern Himalayas between India and Chaina. Known for its breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and commitment to sustainable development, Bhutan stands out as one of the most unique countries in the world. Bhutan is a country with a different face and a different story to tell. Shrouded for centuries in the misty serenity of the great Himalayas, the Land of the Thunder Dragon, or Bhutan, as now known to the rest of the world, developed its own distinct civilization. It is a land of about 750,000 people who believe that Gross National Happiness is more important than Gross National Product.
It is home to a unique identity, derived essentially from a fertile religious and cultural heritage. Bhutan brims with myth and legend. As a befitting testimony, a great Buddhist heritage of over 2000 monasteries and 10,000 monuments dot its peaceful open space and regal mountains. An ambience of near sacred tranquility permeates the land, fostering an environment of spiritual affluence that has shaped the foundation of that rarity that we know as Bhutanese life. And, we don’t have traffic lights telling us how to drive. This is the only place in the world where people are known to have been ‘Dzong-ed out’ and ‘Stupa-fied,’ and you will have to visit Bhutan to find out just what they mean.
Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, is a unique blend of traditional architecture and modern development, nestled in a valley at an altitude of 2,300 meters. It’s the center of Bhutan’s government, religion, and commerce, and is known for its distinctive architectural style and peaceful atmosphere. Notably, Thimphu is the only capital city in the world without traffic lights
Tshechu, meaning “day ten” in Dzongkha, is a vibrant and significant religious festival celebrated annually in Bhutan, particularly on the tenth day of the lunar calendar month. These festivals are held in various dzongs (fortress-monasteries) and temples across the country, honoring Guru Rinpoche (also known as Padmasambhava), the Buddhist master who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan. Tshechus are not just religious events; they are also a celebration of Bhutanese culture, featuring elaborate mask dances, traditional music, and a strong sense of community.
- Bhutan: The Name
- Religious: Buddhism and Hinduism
- National Game: Archery
- National Bird: Raven
- National Animal: Takin
‘For a while I linger among the chortens and prayer flags, I listen to the soft wind breathing through the grass, watch the mist lift, revealing distant peaks with soft clouds hugging the hillsides, and wonder how anyone could ever imagine a more peaceful spot on this troubled earth…..’ This is not an exaggerated description of heaven but the real experience of a vacation paradise. And the place, the place where ‘happiness is a place’ happens to be Bhutan.
Here is an idea of what Bhutan is – over and above being voted Best Country in the World during the annual World Countries Award ceremony in 2016, the following are some of the awards won by Bhutan:
• Best Country in the World: Bhutan
• Most Beautiful Capital City in The World: Thimphu
• Best Food in the World: Bhutanese food
• Nicest People on Earth: Bhutanese people
• Smartest people on the Planet: Bhutanese people
• Most Handsome Men in the World: Bhutanese men
• Most Beautiful Women In The World: Bhutanese women
• Most Humble Human Being on the Planet: The Bhutanese