Bhutan, the enchanting Himalayan kingdom, is a land where spirituality blends seamlessly with nature. Among its many sacred traditions, the colorful prayer flags in Bhutan stand out as one of the most iconic symbols of peace, compassion, and good fortune. These fluttering flags, often seen on mountain passes, monasteries, and village paths, carry prayers and [...]
Bhutan Tradition & Culture
A common sense approach is best in respecting and abiding by the Bhutan cultural customs and traditions, with most of these customs practiced throughout the Asian region. In respect for the monarchy, religion and monastic body, modest dress is required for both males and females.
Public displays of affection are not common. Always ask for permission before taking photos of people, events or objects. Photography is not permitted inside temples, monasteries or Dzong, but is permitted In the courtyards and external areas of these sacred religious sights. Touching of religious artifacts or antiques IS strictly prohibited, as the purchase and export.
Do not climb on or over Buddhist artifacts, antiques or ruins. The dress code in religious sites and at religious ceremonies/festivals is smart casual – shorts and sleeveless tops, sunglasses, and hats are not permitted. Shirts with collar and preferably long sleeves are recommended. Shouting and loud voices within a religious site are disapproved of. Encouragement of begging by offering alms, candy or money is discouraged, although small offerings at temples are customary. When approaching or visiting religious sites, passing chortens, mani walls and prayer flags always pass by to the left or clockwise.
Do not point with a single finger, an upturned flat extended hand is appropriate, especially when referring to religious or sacred objects. Shoes are to be removed prior to entering a temple, holy site or Dzong. Lakes are considered sacred, deities and gods reside not only in the lakes but also in the mountain peaks. Swimming, washing clothes and throwing stones into lakes is considered inappropriate as is mountaineering. There are so many more things that you should know about tradition & culture in Bhutan; hence, we would like to give you a Bhutan travel guide – Bhutan tradition and culture to help you get an insight into this Kingdom.
Bhutan, the land of the Thunder Dragon, is a sanctuary of profound spiritual traditions and vibrant cultural expressions. Among its treasures is thangka art, a sacred form of Buddhist painting that serves as both a spiritual tool and a cultural masterpiece. Rooted in Tibetan Buddhism, thangka art is revered in Bhutan for its intricate designs, [...]
Nestled amidst the towering Himalayan peaks, the kingdom of Bhutan is a place where the artistry of human hands meets the spiritual depth of centuries-old traditions. In this enchanted realm, Bhutanese arts and crafts serve as vivid brushstrokes on the canvas of a rich cultural tapestry. Let's embark on a journey through this magical world [...]
Greetings and etiquettes play an important role in the traditional custom and spiritual life of Bhutanese people. It represents the essence as well as the good behavior of the people through time. Whenever you plan for a trip to Bhutan, it is essential to master both to avoid misunderstanding and better interact with the local [...]
New year in Bhutan plays an essential role in the local’s belief as it is the time of family reunion and strengthening of cultural rituals and ties. The Losar festival in which “lo” means “new” and “sar” means “year”, is known as the Bhutanese New Year, celebrated somewhere between February and March, based on the [...]
Melodious, generally without harmony, traditional Bhutanese music has become a crucial part in the spiritual life of each Bhutan people. The feature of traditional Bhutan music is mainly based on percussion with a beautiful blend of various musical instruments and melody making Bhutan music a multileveled hierarchical system. If you are interested in music, especially [...]
Bhutan – the kingdom of “Thunder Dragon” is widely known for the majestic landscapes and vibrant culture. One of the crucial elements making Bhutan a treasure on the eastern slope of the Himalayas is the hand-woven traditional dresses including “Gho” for men and ‘Kira” for women. It was first introduced in the 17th century by [...]
If you ask me what is the thing that vividly defines the culture and tradition of a nation most, my answer absolutely is its dances. We cry when we are sad, we sleep when we are tired, and we dance when we are happy. When we dance, it is more than physical activity, it contains [...]
The Takin (Burdorcas Taxicolor) is the national animal of Bhutan due to its association with Bhutanese religious history and mythology. Legend has it that in the 15th century, a Tibetan saint, Drukpa Kunley well-known as “Divide Madam” created this unique animal. This Bhutan national animal is a muscular animal with strongly developed fur. The Takin [...]
Deep in the Himalayas, the beautiful magic land of Bhutan is almost unreal that you have to see it and believe it. Furthermore, the lively traditional festival accompanied by an archery tournament couples with the breathtaking landscape that will excite your senses whenever you travel to the country. For so long, archery has been an [...]
Besides breath-taking natural beauty, the traditional lifestyle is another unique feature that makes Bhutan outstanding, which is heavily influenced by Buddhism. It is generally considered as a Buddhist kingdom set high in the Himalayas between India and China; therefore, obviously, every Bhutanese traditional custom has a strong connection with this religion. Here is some useful [...]
A Bhutan wedding ceremony is a lifetime event of each Bhutanese people may differentiate themselves from others by celebrating their own unique traditional wedding parties. As Bhutan is greatly influenced by the traditions of Buddhism and still preserves the traditional ways of life, this happiest country holds a very distinctive tradition in Bhutan marriage. For [...]
Bhutan festivals reflect the spirituality as well as the vibrant culture of the Thunder Dragon kingdom through the ups and downs of the historical journey. Once visiting this extraordinary country, it is essential to attend the stunning folk festival at least one time in your life to witness the unique Cham dance and approach authentic [...]
