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Cultural Heritage |
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In the Buddhist perspective, culture, tradition and beliefs and the environment are dynamic phenomena that are interwoven tightly in the web of life. As a Buddhist philosopher say, “Culture lies not in objects or monuments but in the mind and compassion towards all sentient beings”. Bhutan’s unique cultural and traditional values, highly valued in themselves by all the population, are the essential embodiments of the nation’s identity. For a small country located between two most populated countries of the world, India and China, the preservation and promotion of its distinct cultural identity is seen as an important means for its survival as an independent and sovereign Kingdom. It was this identity that has protected and sustained Bhutan and also provided the foundation for its major policies. Architecture
Dzongs
Chortens The commonest structures in Bhutan are not the great fortresses but chortens, which are also known as stupas. There are numerous chortens all over the country, ranging in size from very small to large. Witness to the profound faith of the Bhutanese, they can be found at crossroads, near a dzong or a monastery and on high mountain passes and all of them have an indefinable presence, radiating serenity and peace. Lhakhang Lhakhang (temples) are fairly small building of simple design, seem to have been the first forms of religious architecture. Built in simple design they are likely to comprise one storey around a small enclosed courtyard and differ from ordinary houses by red band painted on the upper part of their walls and an ornament of gilded copper on the roof. Inside, the walls are completely covered with religious paintings. Goemba Bhutanese Goembas (monasteries) can be divided in two types :- ‘Cluster type’ which consists of a core formed by one or two temples with various dwelling structures grouped around such as Dzongdrakha in Paro valley , Phajoding in Thimphu valley and Tharpaling in the Bumthang valley. The second category ‘Dzong type’ is built like fortress with the central tower enclosing the temple and surrounded by exterior walls against which are built monks cells and service rooms. The most impressive example of dzong type goembas are monastery of Gangtey and Tango in upper Thimphu valley. Village houses The villages of Bhutan often take the form of small hamlets of between 5 to 15 houses, arranged in such a way as to mitigate the harsher effects of the climate. They are built close together to provide mutual protection against the wind and the cold. Typical Bhutanese houses are found at altitudes of 1000 to 3000 meters. The general pattern is almost same throughout the country. Religion
The influence of Tantric Buddhism since the mid 7th century has irrevocably shaped Kingdom’s history and destiny, and has had an indelible and enlightening impact on the Bhutanese way of life. It affect almost everything ; from arts and crafts to the system of government, from folk dances to architectural style. To this day also, the importance and relevance of Buddhism has not waned and Buddhist values and traditions still permeates every aspect of the Bhutanese culture and ethos. Festivals
For the Bhutanese people, religious festivals offer an opportunity to become immersed in the meaning of their religion and gain much merit. They are also the occasion for seeing people and for being seen, for social exchanges and for flaunting success. People bring out their finest clothes, their most beautiful jewelleries. An atmosphere of convivial, slightly ribald with humor prevails. Arts & Crafts
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