Festivals in Bhutan

Festivals in Bhutan

Festivals in Bhutan takes place at different times of year, regarding to place to place. “Tshechu” known to the localities of Bhutan for festival, comes in a form of religious activities, and the time when people gather, with their best attires. Festivals are celebrated on 10th Day of particular month, so the name “Tshechu” was derived, (“Tshe” means Date and “Chu” means 10).

Tshechu festivals are celebrated for several days ranging from minimum of three days to five days, according to their location. One would be able to view and witness Bhutanese Focal Dances, religious dance, Mask Dances known as “Chaam”, and other religious dramas and epics of great known saint of Buddhism. These dances are performed by Monks, laymen and few dances by students of RAPA (Royal Academy of Performing Arts).

Atsara are clowns, with their expressive masks and postures, are an indispensable element in any religious festival. They confront the monks, toss out salacious jokes, and distract the crowd with their antics when the religious dances begin to grow tedious. Believed to represent Acharyas (religious masters of India) they are the only people permitted to mock religion in a society where sacred matters are treated with the highest respect. For a few days these popular entertainers are allowed the freedom to express a formulaic challenge within an established framework that does not, however upset the social and religious order.

Some tshechus end with the displaying of a huge appliqué thangkha (scroll) called “Thongdroel”. The Thongdroel is unveiled at first light to bring enlightenment to all who view it. The faithful believe that by simply viewing this Thongdroel, they can be delivered from the cycle of reincarnations,

For the Bhutanese, religious festivals offer an opportunity to become immersed in the meaning of their religion and gain much merit. They are also occasions for seeing people, and for being seen, for social exchanges, and for flaunting success. People bring out their finest clothes, their most beautiful jewelries, and go for picnic with abundant alcohol and meat. Men and women joke and flirt. An atmosphere of convivial, slightly ribald good humor prevails.

Where is Bhutan located?

Thimphu, Tashichhodzong

Where is Bhutan located in the world?

Bhutan is located in the country of South Asia, shares the land border between two biggest countries in the world, to the North China and India towards South. Bhutan covers 38,394 square kilometers of land, making it the 138th largest nation in terms of land area. Bhutan became an independent state in 1947, after gaining its sovereignty from The United Kingdom. The population of Bhutan is 716,896 (2012) and the nation has a density of 19 people per square kilometer. The currency of Bhutan is the Ngultrum (BTN). As well, the people of Bhutan are referred to as Bhutanese. The dialing code for the country is 00975 and the top level internet domain for Bhutanese sites is .bt.

 Quick facts

Population	716,896
Density	18.7 / km2 ( 48.4 / mi2 )
Language	Dzongkha
Independence Year	1947
Capital	Thimphu (Thimphu)
Currency	Ngultrum
GDP	1,821,412,873 (2014 data)
GDP per Capita	2,541 (2014 data)
Land Area	38,394 km2 (14,824 mi2)
Neighboring Countries	India and China
Minimum Longitude	88.770
Maximum Longitude	92.130
Minimum Latitude	26.710
Maximum Latitude	28.330

What is the capital of Bhutan?

Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan. It has a population of 98,676, and is located on latitude of 27.47 and longitude of 89.64. Thimphu is also the political center of Bhutan, which is considered a Constitutional Monarchy, and home to its Executive head of state.

Quick Facts about Thimphu, the Capital of Bhutan

Name of City	Thimphu
Country	Bhutan
Population	98,676
Longitude	89.64191000
Latitude	27.46609000
Elevation	2307 meters over sea level

WELCOME GREETING

Kuzuzangpo! Very warm welcome to the Tashi Penjor blogspot page. 

Legends and fabled tales of old described the Himalayas as a realm of mystery and for centuries the snowcapped mountains remained oblivious to the rest of the world. Tales of the yeti and wandering spirits surrounding the mountains have haunted the travelling nomads and migrants for generations. A number of ancient history books mentioned the great Tibetan Emperor, Songtsen Gampo, finally taming the evil entities by building a legion of sacred temples all around the mountains. Hence, civilization slowly bloomed around the Himalayas and Bhutan came into existence as a country.

We take immense pleasure in accompanying you on your journey through Bhutan, “The Land of the Thunder Dragon”. A country exuding an aura of indescribable charm and a land riddled with many mysteries. Bhutan lies along the lofty ridges of the eastern Himalayas, bordering the Tibetan autonomous region of China in the North and India in the South. The snowcapped Himalayan Mountains protected Bhutan from the rest of the world and left the Kingdom blissfully untouched.

The society of Bhutan is immersed in deep Buddhist religion and provides the essence of a rich culture and fascinating history. With a relatively small population of about 700,000 people, the Bhutanese people enjoy a simple lifestyle which they inherited from their forefathers. More than 80% of the total population lives in small villages sparsely scattered over rugged mountainous terrain.

For centuries the Bhutanese have treasured the natural environment, looking upon it as a source of life. This traditional reverence for nature has brought Bhutan into the 21st century with a pristine environment.  More than 72% of the land area is under forest cover. Bhutan is one of the ten bio-diversity hot spots in the world and one of the 221 global endemic bird areas. Its ecosystem harbors some of the most exotic species of the eastern Himalayas with an estimated 770 species of birds and 50 species of rhododendrons, besides an astonishing variety of medicinal plants and orchids.

Bhutan's beautiful and largely unspoiled Himalayan setting, its rich flora and fauna and its vibrant culture have made it an increasingly popular tourist destination. In addition to generating hard currency revenue, tourism is also providing the much needed resources to develop the service sector and ensure a balanced and sustainable development for all the Bhutanese.

Bhutan is best known to the world today as the last Shangri-La. The few visitors who make the rare journey into this extraordinary kingdom will discover that there is no other destination like this land of pure and exotic mysticism. In this country known as Druk Yul, or the 'Land of the Peaceful Dragon', the fortunate visitor will find a rare combination of harmony and accord, amidst a landscape of incredible natural beauty.

Tashi Delek !

Gasa Tsachu

Gasa Tsachu

Just when visitors to Gasa tsachu (hot springs) were starting to increase, with road access till Geza, and electricity, the hot spring itself has gone under. The healing waters of the country’s most famous hot spring now flow under the Mochu river, which has taken a new course after the May 26 flood that completely washed away the five soaking ponds and the VIP bathhouse built around the spring.

The flood also washed away a canopy, a stable, an outreach clinic (ORC) and attached room, shops and public toilets, according to the tsachu caretaker, Dago. All that remains is the suspension bridge across the Mochu and the pungent smelling sinusitis cure holes located a few metres from the tsachu area.

The tsachu is also an important source of cash income and, with it gone, the Gasaps are feeling the pinch. A businesswoman, who runs a restaurant at the junction of the trail towards Gasa dzong and the tsachu, told Kuensel that her sales have gone down from Nu 1,500 a day to about Nu 500 a day.

The locals have attempted to restore the tsachu. Three weeks after the flood, a few people from Gasa and the tsachu caretakers made temporary ponds and soaked in them. “A monk advised us to put sand in sacks and make temporary ponds,” said caretaker Dago. But they got washed away that same night.

With the rains raising the level of the river locating the source of the hot spring has become risky. Landslides were taking place in the tsachu area when Kuensel visited on July 9.

People are using a temporary wooden ladder and a thin wire to go downstream and collect the tsachu water.

The flood still haunts the tsachu caretakers. “Whenever it rains, I hear sounds similar to the one I heard on May 26,” said Lhamo, 60, who worked as the neyda (one, who makes offering to the local deities). The spring has also been a traditional source of healing for the people of Gasa. Now they cannot do that anymore.

Gasa dzongrab Karma Rinchen told Kuensel that dzongkhag officials had located all the five hot spring sources near the riverbank, but with the river swollen all of them were under the river now.

“Our immediate concern is to least come up with temporary ponds, so that people can come and soak,” dzongrab Karma Rinchen said. “Retrieval may be possible only after the monsoon.”

The dzongkhag administration is planning to divert the river to its original course and build river protection walls. Dzongkhag officials have tried building embankments and walls to divert the river.

“We want people to come to the tsachu this winter so that Gasa residents aren’t deprived of their livelihood,” the dzongrab said.

Dzongkhag officials hope the government will take care of the permanent restoration. “Land should be reclaimed and huge protections walls built to restore the area,” said an official.

Flora & Fauna

Takin: National Animal of Bhutan 

Langur

Flora and Fauna 

Nestled deep within the Himalayas, Bhutan is a treasure trove of biological diversity with an unparalleled richness of flora and fauna due to the varied altitudinal and climatic conditions present in the country. This fragile ecosystem has remained unspoiled due to the conservation efforts of the Bhutanese people and government. Today 60% of the kingdom’s total area has been designated as protected nature preserves.

Bhutan is the perfect destination for enthusiastic horticulturalists as it contains more than 60%of the common plant species found in the Eastern Himalayas. It also boasts of approximately 46 species of Rhododendrons and over 300 types of medicinal plants. Junipers, Magnolias, Orchids, Blue Poppies (the national flower), Edelweiss, Gentian, various medicinal herbs, Daphne, Giant Rhubarb, Pine and Oak trees are among the plants commonly found.


The kingdom is also home to a wide variety of animals. At higher altitudes you will come across snow leopards, blue sheep, red pandas, takin, marmots and musk deer. Leopards, gorals, gray langurs, Himalayan black bears, red pandas, sambars, wild pigs and barking deer are found in the temperate zones. The tropical forests in the south are a haven for clouded leopards, elephants, one horned Rhinoceros, water buffalos, golden langurs, gaurs, swamp deer, hog deer, hornbills and many other species. Bhutan is home to the highest altitude inhabiting Tigers in the world and they are commonly found throughout the country.
Visitors can experience the magnificent flora and fauna of Bhutan through sightseeing tours or by embarking on treks and hikes through beautiful virgin forests, pristine Himalayan Mountains and across sparkling crystal clear rivers fed by ancient mountain glaciers. Roads in Bhutan pass through the rich forests so travelers can experience the majestic natural environments of Bhutan

Village Tour

Village Tour

Bhutan Village tour is our sincere effort to show real Bhutan found in its villages, where time have stood still. Immerse in its culture, try the local food, visit Bhutanese farmers, interact with the families, children, monks and nuns and revitalize with traditional stone bath. We also include visits to the key monuments such as Dzongs and but ensuring that you will not be dzonged out with too many of them. Our long experience and visitors’ feedback for many years have prompted us to come up with this tour that provides authentic Bhutanese experience. It is a summary of all that draws visitors our country; friendly people, beautiful scenery, a vibrant, proud culture. On this tour, Wind Horse strive to showcase the living culture and traditions, and its harmony with modernity. It is our endeavor to show the pristine environment and how culture, nature and modernity can coexists to provide happiness in the country known for Gross National Happiness.

Sakten Wildlife Sanctury

Camp Site 

SAKTENG WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Located in the easternmost part of the Kingdom of Bhutan, Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary spans an area of 650 sq. km and is Bhutan’s newest protected area (launched in 2003). The sanctuary is a lost world of biodiversity waiting to be discovered. It presents a wide diversity of Himalayan terrestrial ecosystems, namely alpine meadow, temperate forest, and warm broadleaf forest. The Sanctuary is home to people of isolated nomadic tribes. It is characterized by thick carpets of rhododendrons, and in its habitat roam snow leopards, red pandas, Himalayan black bear, barking deer, Himalayan red fox, the hoary-bellied Himalayan squirrel and even the mythical Yeti (or the “Abominable Snowman”). Sakteng is virtually untouched by development. Bird species include the Assamese macaw, blood pheasant, grey backed shrike, grey headed woodpecker, common hoopoe, rufous vented tit and dark breasted rose finch. Plant life includes Bhutan’s national flower, the blue poppy, rhododendrons, primulas and gentiana, all of which transform the park into a garden of colors during spring time.

Dagophu Monastery

Dagophu Monastery

Dagophu Monastery is about 5 km drive from the Lango town located to the North of the town and Temple itself is Kudung of Late Dungse Thinley Norbu Rinpoche was flown to Paro from Yonphula. The Kudung remained in Trashigang for 10 days. Dungse Garab Rinpoche presided over a prayer ceremony at Yonphula Ugyen Dho-nga Choekhorling Lhakhang for the Kudung. After the prayers, the Kudung was escorted in a traditional chipdrel procession from the Lhakhang to the Yonphula airport. And thousands of people from Samdrup Jongkhar, Pemagatshel and nearby areas came there to pay their last respects.

Food in Bhutan

Food

Bhutanese cuisine is influenced by Chinese, Tibetan and Indian culture. The main dish, which generally includes white or red rice, seasonal vegetables, and meat are often cooked. Famous Bhutanese dish is chilly mixed with cheese which is common Bhutanese dish, it is hot and spices. Another dish which is common as well potato mixed with cheese. 

Chador Lakhang

Chador Lakhang

Bartsham Drubdra, Bhutan

The Chador Lhakhang/Sangdha Gyepay Ling, in Bartsham, originally built in the 12th century, is one of the oldest and most sacred monasteries in eastern Bhutan. Located a top a ridge that commands a spectacular view of villages in north Trashigang, the monastery is a revered place of worship for the 700-household Bartsham Community and devotees across the country. Also called ÅgGonpa-RingbooÅh in the local dialect, the monastery is the custodian of one of Bhutan’s most highly regarded religious treasures, a thumb-size replica of Chana Dorji that, legend has it, reached Bartsham through a sacred divination. The origin of the replica, fondly called Meme Chador by the local people, goes back to the Sangdha Tumpo (the secret Treasure Teachings) revealed by the great treasure revealer Terton Pema Lingpa. The foundation for the present-day Chador Lhakhang was laid in the early 1940s by Lama Pema Wangchen (also known as Lama Nagpo) to transmit the Dudjom Tersar tradition of his master Dudjom Jigdroel Yeshey Dorje (Dudjom Rinpoche). After Lama Nagpo passed away, his disciple Lam Kunzang Wangdi (Lam Nyingku) took over the monastery

For Khentse Rinpoche’s website

Thrumshingla National Park

Thrumshingla National Park

The newest national park of Bhutan, ThrumshingLa National Park gained this status in July 1998. Sprawling across 768 sq km, it is situated in central Bhutan. Like all protected areas of Bhutan, it presents diverse climatic conditions, habitats and altitudes that range from less than 1000 m to more than 4000 m. This unique protected area presents vast biodiversity that includes alpine forests, subtropical broadleaf forests and even rare plants. You may spot snow leopards, red pandas and tigers prowling around in this National Park. It was in this Park that an image of a tiger was captured at 3000 m by a WWF-supported survey team in 2000. This photograph was the first evidence proving that tigers do exist at such high altitudes too.

Birdwatchers and ornithologists will find a lot of bird species to catch their attention and interest. There are about 341 species of birds here including the endangered rufous-necked hornbill, beautiful nuthatch, ward's trogon, white-naped yuhina and brown wood owl. Birdlife International has recognized Thrumshingla National Park as an important Bird Area in the Sino-Himalayan mountain forests. WWF supports the upkeep of the park to ensure that it has an effective management plan and dedicated Park staff that can keep the pristine ecosystem here intact for generations to come. The park has over 622 species thriving here quite well. Out of it, 21 species are endemic to this National park and region.

Over 68 species of mammals have been recorded in this wildlife sanctuary including Bengal tiger, leopard, leopard cat, rare clouded leopard, Himalayan black bear, red panda, musk deer, capped langur and Malayan giant squirrel. Tourists and trekkers are attracted to Thrumshingla National Park for trekking, chiefly because of its picture perfect scenery and it being one of the few natural habitats of the world. Communities living within the confines of this Park earn their livelihood from the tourism here. It is estimated that there are about 2000 people living within the park while 11000 people are estimated to live in its buffer zone. Overgrazing and human interference have evolved as a serious threat to the forests of the Park in the present scenario.

Manas National Park

ROYAL MANAS NATIONAL PARK

Bhutan’s Crown Jewel, the Manas National Park represents the largest example of tropical and sub-tropical ecosystems in Bhutan. This park has only recently been opened to the public and offers  thousands of animal and plant species, many of which are globally endangered, it is not only the most diverse protected area in the Kingdom but also noted as one of the world’s biologically outstanding parks. Lying in south central Bhutan, Manas is connected at the southern border with India’s Manas Tiger Reserve, a World Heritage Site. To the north it borders the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park. Royal Manas was designated a wildlife sanctuary in 1966 making it Bhutan’s oldest protected area. The area was upgraded to a National Park in 1993. There are wide climate variations in Royal Manas. The May-September monsoons bring up to 5,000mm of rain. Rainfall is negligible in winter and the climate is extremely pleasant from November till March. Manas is also extremely rich in wildlife species, including the highly endangered Royal Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, greater one-horned rhinoceros, clouded leopard, Himalayan black bear, gangetic dolphin and pangolin. Found virtually nowhere else in the world is the especially rare golden langur, a primate of extraordinary grace and beauty with its long, silky blond fur.

More than 365 species of birds have been officially recorded in Royal Manas National Park with an additional 200 believed to be in residence. Species found here include the globally threatened rufous-necked hornbill, Pallas fishing eagle, great white-bellied heron, spotted wren-babbler, blue-headed rock thrush and emerald cuckoo. Many of the park’s more than 900 types of plants have commercial, medicinal, traditional and religious significance.

Chokyi Gatsho Monastery

Chökyi Gyatso Institute for the Study of Buddhist Philosophy

Chökyi Gyatso Institute in Dewathang is one of Nyingma Monastery that practices the tradition of Khyentse Wangpo and Longchen Nyingtik. The Institute offers a traditional monastic curriculum for about 100 monks, equally emphasizing ritual and philosophy. Four years of monastic ritual training are followed by nine years of philosophical studies. To incorporate practice with the studies, the institute annually holds six drupchens (extended group practices): Khandro Sangdü, Gyalwa Gyamtso, Pema Tseyi Nyingtik, Vima Ladrup, Miniling Dorsem, and Pama Nyingthik, along with other practices.

Tiger Nest Monastery

Taktsang Monastery at Paro: Bhutan 

The Fire at Taktsang Monastery

The Dubkhang, the most sacred sanctum of the Taktsang Monastery in Paro, has been found to be safe and a number of the most precious relics and treasures have been retrieved from the ruins of the main monastery, which was severely damaged by fire on Sunday, April 19, 1998.

The Tshennyi Lopon (Master of Dialectical Studies) of the Dratshang (Central Monk Body) explained that the sacred essence of Taktshang was the Dubkhang (also called the Pelphug), the holy cave in which Guru Rimpoche meditated in the 8^th century (as did many other renowned saints), and the Kudung (relics) of his disciple, Langchen Pelkyi Singye, which had been placed deep in the rocks under the site of Kudung Chorten.

The sanctity of Taktshang cannot be destroyed by the natural elements, be it fire or water; the Tshennyi Lopon told Kuensel. On April 23, His Majesty the king visited Taktshang and saw the Dubkhang and the religious artifacts that had been recovered. His Majesty commanded the Dratshang, Rabdeys, Shedras and Drubdas, Gomdeys, and all the other religious institutions in the country to offer the Guru Soendoep Dungjor (the offering of 100 million prayers to Guru Rimpoche).

The Chairman of the Special Commission for the Cultural Affairs, Lyonpo Dago Tshering said that, as commanded by His Majesty the King, the government would reconstruct the monastery with its original aura, authenticity and architectural splendor.

The sacred essence of Taktshang, one of the most revered Buddhist nyes (sacred sites) in the world, was established in 8^th Century by Guru Rinpoche. The Guru, in the wrathful from the Guru Dorji Drollo, subdues the evil spirits and then meditated in the Pelphug in Taktsang.

Other saints who mediated in the cave include the Milerapa, Phadampa Sangye, Machi Labdoenma, Thangtong Gyalpo  and Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel.

The main Temple around the Pelphug in Taktsang was constructed in 1692 by the Great 4th ^Desi Tenzin Rabgyel in between 1961 and 1965 it was renovated by Je Sheldrup Yozer and the latest additions were made in 1982.

The Drupkhang is opened once a year during an annual ceremony. The Tshennyi Lopon explained that 71 members of the monk body performed the annual Guru prayers for 21 daysin the fifth Bhutanese month. As in the past, the prayers will be performed this year as usual in the Dubkhang.

The Tshennyi Lopon said that if the destructions of the Taktshang monastery was a deliberate evil deed then it was a reflection of the decline of the Dharma. But if the monastery was destroyed by natural causes then it is natural for people to perceive it as an inauspicious sign.

“However, what is most important is that the people should avoid superstition and doubt and place their faith in Guru Rimpoche and the Triple Gem,” said Tshennyi Lopon. “We can only safeguard our nation and spiritual heritage with genuine faith in Dharma.”

Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary

BUMDELING WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary is located in north-western part of Bhutan covering an area of 1,545 sq. km with 420 sq. km in Trashiyangtse, Lhuntshe, and Mongar District. It shares international borders with the Tibetan region of China and Indian border. The sanctuary is home to around 100 species of mammals, including globally endangered species such as snow leopard, Royal Bengal tiger and red panda. And also it is main habitant for Black Neck Crane in winter. In winter more than 150 black necked cranes spend their lives in winter in Bumdeling. The crane arrives in mid-November to early and first week of March back to Tibet. And the place is scenic beauty and diversity many significant religious and cultural places can be found inside the sanctuary, such as Rigsum Gompa, the mystic Singye Dzong and Pemaling– maybe the most scenic in the  country.

ARCHERY GAME IN BHUTAN

Sport in Bhutan

Bhutan is a culturally rich country and as such, you can expect them to have a lot of activities or traditional sports that are an integral part of their society. The primary Bhutanese traditional sport is without any doubt archery.

They also played Degor which is similar to Discuss, Pungdo is shot put, Khuru is indoor sport dart, Soksum is Javelin-throwing and of course Keshi which is call wrestling.

The Modern sports favorite is definitely football and cricket which has increased in popularity among the Bhutanese

Pottery Making

Pottery Making

Pottery Making Service in Guangzor

In the absence of a market for Bhutanese handmade earthen pots, and competition from ready-made imports, the traditional craft of pottery making in Bhutan is on the verge of extinction but in Gangzur in Lhuentse, it still survives in the hand of two women who continue to practice this ancient tradition.

Tshering Zangmo and her friend Tshewang who are in their mid 30s make about 20 pots of different design, some as small as a teacup used to burn incense to the biggest, about three feet in height, used to brew ara or local wine. "There are five different types, each having its own specific utility," said Tshering Zangmo, who has been making pots for the past 15 years.

During winter when there is no work in the field, the two women collect the red and yellow sandy clay from the hill in front of their house and manually make the earthen pots. They do not use a spinning lathe. Once stones and other granules are removed from the clay it is kneaded and beaten into malleable dough. The pots are shaped on a thatched wooden plank. The inside of the clay ball is gouged out and the rough shell is left to dry for a week. The pots are then put in a fire to make them firm and durable. Every month villagers from other Geogs in Lhuentse buy pots from the two women and also people from other part of the country and foreigners who visit the village to see the two at work buy their product. In a month we earn about Nu. 500 said Zangmo. It is enough to pay our land Tax, house insurance and livestock tax and to buy the vegetable oil, sugar and salt.

Tshering Zangmo said during the Monsoon, the soil gets deprived of its sticky natural gule and is therefore unsuitable to make pots. Two years back Tshering and Tshewang sold five pots regardless of their sizes for just one Ngultrum until the dzongkhag officials advised them to raise the rates "We now sell a pot for about Nu. 45 each," said Tshewang.

The two women said the number of buyers had dropped with time. Their main customers are now villagers from Khoma who bought the oversize pots to brew ara while a few government officials and visitors bought the smaller ones.

The people of Gangzur have no knowledge of how old the pottery tradition is but Tshering Zangmo says that not very long ago people from eight Geogs under Lhuentse used earthen pots to cook food, brew ara, and store water.

One of the traditional Bhutanese crafts, pottery is on the verge of extinction in Paro and has completely disappeared in the villages above Khasadrapchu in Thimphu. "The entire village used to make earthen pots in the past," said Tshering Zangmo.

Bangchung

Bangchung

Bangchung are made from special bamboo that grows on the hills of Eastern Bhutan. This was originally used as plate for eating rice in formal times and even today people in the east used to carrying food and snacks during long travel. Although, people are now using more fancy plates, Bangchungs are still widely used to carry offerings for the temples, and other activities that needs to carry food without much hassle. It is now most of the people used as organizers or decoration in home or as gift to the friends and relatives.

Therefore, people from Thrimshing Kangpar in Tashigang District and Kheng usually make this product and sell to the Tourism Industries and also slowly to the global market.