Bhutan remained untouched tourist destination until 1960s. Due to it’s closed in geographical location Bhutan’s culture remained unaffected hence this unique culture remains primary attraction for the tourists worldwide. Bhutanese culture and traditions find its origin in Buddhism. Because of its captivating natural beauty and rich cultural tradition Bhutan is also called as ‘The Last Shangri-la’. The government of Bhutan is trying hard to preserve its natural splendor and conserve unique culture to maintain its distinctive identity. Bhutan measures prosperity by gauging its citizens' happiness levels, not the GDP. Take an exciting flight to Kingdom Of Bhutan with Reportaaz this Sunday, January 19, 2014 at 11.30 am and 8.30 pm only on IBN-Lokmat.
Bhutan has conventionally been a feudal civilization. It has been ruled by Kings. They have been following complete Monarchy system since ages. But with the changing times they have decided to adopt constitutional monarchy and conducted general elections. In 2004 Bhutan adopted democratic values and started interaction with world. Bhutanese community mainly has Western Bhutanese and Eastern Bhutanese people. Western Bhutanese are called Ngalops while Eastern Bhutanese are called Sharchops. Bhutanese society follows Matriarchy. Daughters become heir to their parents' belongings. Generally men move to their spouse’s home after wedding. Overall Bhutan is progressing nation with literacy rate 59.5%.
Bhutan is known for its exquisite and intricate architecture too. Bhutanese structural designs are specifically traditional and generally use stonework, and delicate woodwork around windowpanes and roofs. Use of iron bars or nails is avoided in the traditional construction methods.
Bhutan’s festivals are based on lunar calendar. Prominent festivals include the winter solstice, the lunar New Year, the King's anniversary, the official monsoon end and National Day that is on 17 December along with few other Buddhist and Hindu celebrations. Use of colorful masks in various genres of the art like dance and drama is common during festival celebrations. Both modern and traditional folk music is popularly used for various performances during these carnivals. Main diet of Bhutanese people consists of buckwheat, maize and rice. In non-vegetarian diet people generally have yak meat along with pork, beef, chicken and mutton.Yak milk is used extensively to make cheese, butter and other dairy products. Bhutanese people savor a local drink ‘Ara’, which is local form of wine made from rice along with other drinks like tea and beer. Archery has the status as a national game in Bhutan and every year there are several competitions of the same across nation. The youth of Bhutan is very progressive. They respect their traditional culture and also equally curious to explore and bring in changes of modernity.
Reportaaz takes you through exceptional Bhutanese culture and breathtaking natural beauty this week.
Tune into Reportaaz, to explore this culturally rich less travelled tourist destination on Sunday, 19th January 2014, at 11.30 am and 8.30 pmonly on IBN-Lokmat.