Culture and Tradition

Despite being one of the world's smallest countries, Bhutan boasts a deep and profound cultural diversity. This rich cultural tapestry is of utmost importance, and there is a strong emphasis on both promoting and preserving it. The prevailing belief is that safeguarding and nurturing our distinctive culture plays a pivotal role in upholding the sovereignty and identity of our nation.

Birth
The birth of a new baby is a joyous occasion warmly embraced in Bhutanese culture. Children are highly regarded as the bearers of the nation's future, and there is no distinction between the value placed on boys and girls. Mothers receive dedicated care and attention during this period. To ensure the well-being of both mother and child, it is customary to keep outsiders and guests at a distance for the initial three days after the birth. This practice is rooted in the belief that the house is in a state of spiritual purity that must be preserved.

On the third day following the child's birth, a brief purification ceremony takes place. It marks the point at which friends and family from outside are welcomed into the home to visit the newborn and the mother. During these visits, various gifts are presented, including dairy products, clothing, and monetary contributions.

The naming of the child is a significant event and is typically entrusted to a highly religious figure. To choose the child's name, the mother and child visit a local temple to seek blessings from the native deity, known as the "natal deity." The name associated with this deity is bestowed upon the child. In some instances, the child may also be named based on the day of the week on which they were born.

In addition to naming, a Bhutanese horoscope is created according to the Bhutanese calendar. This horoscope outlines the exact time and date of the child's birth, prescribes various rituals to be performed at different stages of the child's life, and even offers insights into the child's future. These traditions reflect the deep-rooted cultural significance and spiritual connection surrounding the birth of a child in Bhutan.

Funeral
In Bhutanese culture, death is perceived as a transition, signifying either a new beginning or the passage to the next life. In accordance with these deeply rooted traditions, elaborate rituals are conducted to ensure a safe and favorable journey for the departed soul, along with the prospect of a positive rebirth.

Specific days, notably the 7th, 14th, 21st, and 49th days following a person's passing, are designated for specific observances. During these intervals, prayer flags bearing the name of the deceased are erected, and rituals are performed. These acts are believed to provide spiritual assistance to the departed soul.

The customs surrounding the handling of the deceased vary by region in Bhutan. Typically, cremation is the preferred method, though in the southern parts of Bhutan, burial is more common. In the case of the Brokpa community, a unique practice involves chopping the deceased's remains and offering them to vultures as a form of natural disposal.

Additionally, significant rituals are conducted on the anniversary of the individual's passing. This involves the raising of prayer flags, and it is customary for relatives and local residents to gather, bringing offerings such as alcohol, rice, and other essential items as a mark of respect during these commemorations. These ceremonies hold deep cultural and spiritual significance within Bhutanese society, reflecting the profound respect and reverence for the deceased and their journey beyond this life.

Marriage
Arranged marriages held sway in Bhutan not too long ago, often leading to unions within extended family circles. Among the people of eastern Bhutan, cross-cousin marriages were particularly prevalent. However, in recent years, there has been a noticeable shift away from these traditions, especially among the educated population, with more individuals choosing their life partners based on personal preferences.

Modern Bhutanese marriages are characterized by simplicity and an understated approach. While the ceremonies are low-key, there are still meaningful rituals performed to symbolize the enduring bond between the bride and groom. At the conclusion of the religious ceremony, parents, relatives, and friends come together to present the newlyweds with traditional offerings, such as scarves, and bestow gifts in the form of both cash and goods.

Marriage customs differ across the country. In the western regions of Bhutan, it is customary for the husband to relocate to the wife's residence after the wedding. Conversely, in the eastern parts of Bhutan, it is more common for the wife to accompany the husband to his home. Some newlyweds also opt for an independent living arrangement.

What sets Bhutan apart is its progressive and accepting stance on divorce. In Bhutanese society, divorces do not carry stigma or disgrace, and individuals often move on with their lives, seeking new life partners without societal judgment. This open and adaptable approach to marriage and relationships reflects the evolving values and perspectives within Bhutanese culture.

Festivals
Bhutan boasts a wealth of cultural diversity, and this diversity finds expression in a wide array of festivals celebrated throughout the country. Each village is renowned for its unique festivals, with the Tshechu being the most widely recognized. The Tshechu is a special occasion that draws villagers and the general population, all adorned in their finest attire, to gather at temples and monasteries to partake in these vibrant celebrations.

Tshechus are typically dedicated to commemorating significant events in the life of Guru Rinpoche, also known as the Precious Gem, a revered Indian Tantric master and the second Buddha. Over the course of three days, these festivals come alive with a mesmerizing display of mask dances, songs, and traditional dances. The Tshechu serves as a welcome respite from the toil of everyday life, providing people with an opportunity to reconnect with family and friends.

During these festivities, the sharing of traditional cuisine is a common practice, featuring dishes like red rice, pork, and Ema Datshi, a spicy cheese and chili dish. To enhance the merriment, celebrants often indulge in their customary alcoholic beverage known as Ara. These festivals are not just cultural events but also cherished moments of joy and togetherness within the Bhutanese community.

Dress
The Bhutanese attire is a distinctive feature that has evolved over time, reflecting the country's unique cultural identity. Bhutanese men typically wear a garment called the "Gho," which reaches just to their knees, while women wear the "Kira," a dress that extends to their ankles. The Gho is fastened at the waist using a traditional belt called the "Kera," creating a pouch that can hold small items such as wallets, mobile phones, and "Doma," the beetle nut. In the past, this pouch was used for carrying bowls and a small dagger, in keeping with the customs of that era.

However, the attire of tribal and semi-nomadic groups, such as the Brokpas and Bramis in eastern Bhutan, differs from that of the rest of the Bhutanese population. The Brokpas and Bramis often wear garments woven from Yak or Sheep hair.

A significant cultural tradition in Bhutan is the practice of wearing scarves when visiting important places like Dzongs and administrative centers. The scarves worn by men are called "Kabney," while those worn by women are known as "Rachu." These scarves come in various colors, each signifying the wearer's status or rank. Typically, Bhutanese men wear white scarves, while the King and the Je Khenpo (the Head Abbot) wear yellow scarves. Ministers are distinguished by their orange scarves, judges wear green, and district administrators don red scarves with a small white strip running through them. In contrast, Rachu scarves, worn by women, do not feature specific colors but are woven from raw silk, often adorned with intricate patterns. These scarves play a role in conveying the social and hierarchical standing of the individuals in Bhutanese society.

Eating Habits
Traditional Bhutanese dining customs are characterized by their simplicity and the use of hands as utensils. Family members gather and sit cross-legged on wooden floors, with the meal typically starting by serving the head of the household. The responsibility of serving food usually falls on women, often the mother. Prior to commencing the meal, a brief prayer is offered, and a small portion of the food is placed on the wooden floor as an offering to spirits and deities.

With the advent of modernization, eating habits have evolved, especially in urban areas. People now commonly use spoons and dine at tables with chairs. The traditional practice of cooking dishes in earthenware has given way to the use of imported pans and pots, which are more readily available.

Traditional Bhutanese meals typically include rice, a spicy chili and cheese dish known as "Ema Datshi," a meat item, and a variety of seasonal vegetables. While these customs may have evolved over time, they continue to reflect the cultural traditions and values of the Bhutanese people.