Bhutan is known mainly
for its monasteries, fortresses (or dzongs) and dramatic landscapes that range
from subtropical plains to steep mountains and valleys. In the High Himalayas,
peaks such as 7,326m Jomolhari are popular trekking destinations. Paro Taktsang
monastery (also known as Tiger’s Nest), currently the most popular tourist spot.
For years, the country
cut itself off, fearing that outside influences would undermine its monarchy
and culture. The third monarch changed all that in 1970. Radio broadcasting
began only in 1973 and the television and internet arrived only in 1999.
The term "Gross National
Happiness" was famously coined by the fourth king of Bhutan, Jigme Sing Wangchuck, in the early 1970s. The four GNH pillars are: economic self reliance, environmental
conservation, cultural preservation and promotion and good governance. GNH
is distinguishable by collective happiness as the goal of governance.
The current ruler of Bhutan
is the 38 year old Jigme Khesar Namgyel
Wangchuck who succeeded in December 2006 as the fifth monarch of the dynasty,
was responsible for introducing democracy in Bhutan in 2008.
The official language
of Bhutan is Dzongkha but most people are fluent in English. Most of the
youngsters speaking fluent Hindi- result of watching Hindi movies and serials
on television. Social and educational opportunities are not affected by rank or
birth. Bhutanese women enjoy equal rights in every respect.
With help from Indian
Engineers Bhutan had constructed big dams on its perennial rivers which generate Hydro power. Today export of power to India is a major source of income for
Bhutan followed by Tourism. Maintaining
clean environment is an obsession with the government.
Education is free till
secondary school level. Government supports bright students with scholarships
with the strict proviso that they have to come back and serve the country.
Medical facilities are
free for the people of Bhutan. There is a big government run hospital in
Thimphu. District level hospitals serve the people from small towns and
villages. Tourists from India are offered
free medical facilities, if required.
Most of the marriages
are love marriages. There is no dowry system. After the marriage the bridegroom
is expected to move into his In law`s house to live with his wife`s family. Joint
family system is still in vogue.
Rice is a staple food
for the Bhutanese. It can be white, sticky or brown. They have rice as a part
of breakfast, lunch and dinner with the side dishes depending upon the time of
the meal. Local noodles and Momos are also popular dishes. By and large the Bhutanese are non vegetarians. Being Buddhists
they don't kill animals. All meat including fish is imported from India. But they eat very pungent food.
Bhutan is also well
known for its Rice Wine which is called ARA and a Butter Tea called SUJA made
of Tea, hot water, butter and salt instead of sugar. There is no prohibition in
Bhutan.
While Archery is the
national sport , youngsters also indulge in their love for cricket, foot ball and
volley ball..
Thimphu the new
capital houses all important business establishments. The city is dotted with
multi-storied apartments. The traffic is moderate. The cars we saw were either
SUVs or small cars. There were very few Sedans seen on the streets of Thimphu. You hardly see any policemen or
security personnel. No visible signs of poverty anywhere. There are few night
clubs operating over the weekends where the youngsters come and unwind. Crime
rate in Bhutan is very low- so far!
.To keep the traditional culture alive the Bhutanese wear
their traditional clothing that has been worn for centuries. Bhutanese men wear
a GHO a long robe tied around the waist by a small belt called Khera. A woman`s
knee length dress is called KIRA. Throughout our stay in Bhutan I did not find
any Bhutanese wearing modern clothes. The
youngsters swear by their culture and tradition and they were generally happy
and a contented lot. However thanks to growing popularity of social media and
consequent growing aspirations some of them did say that they were looking for
a better future and hoped that the government will help them in the process.
Though Bhutan
currently is a sparsely populated country where we are able to breathe pure air
and move around without any stress or tensions, will commercial considerations
resulting out of growing tourism keep the country pristine in the future is a
question.
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