Bhutanese culture is strongly influenced by Buddhism and there isn’t any form of culture whether tangible or intangible that does not exhibit spirituality. This spiritual aura in all forms of culture has resulted in a closely knit society sharing a very strong sense of community bonding and showcases the identity of Bhutan and her people. The richness of Bhutanese culture can be felt in every aspect of Bhutanese life. It is not just a part of the physical existence but is an integral part of the soul too. The richness of Bhutanese culture can be noticed in various aspects with its core value rooted in the idea of Tha-Damtsi and Ley Judrey. 

As the world increasingly becomes interconnected and globalization increases its pace, Bhutan stands firm in preserving its culture. Culture is not just a way of life in Bhutan; it is the aura and charisma of being Bhutanese, it is the strength that holds the ideals of the past with the united view of today. Bhutanese culture is exhibited in different ways at different levels but the romance of Bhutanese culture is its true expression even in the face of modernity and development.

Marriage: Marriage in Bhutan can be a simple one or an elaborated ceremony but Bhutanese have high respect for the institution of marriage and take into consideration the consents of both male and female.

Birth:There is no special preference for a son or a daughter; gender has no role to play, every child is viewed as a blessing and received with happiness and admiration. The birth of a child is in Bhutan is celebrated as an auspicious day. The newborn goes through a cleansing ritual to be blessed, cleanses and protected from evil spirits. The name of the newborn is sought from a revered Lama (Spiritual Leader) and a Keytse (Birth Astrology) is written for the newborn consulting an Astrologer. In Bhutanese culture, friend or foe, a celebration of a newborn is carried out very profoundly by visiting the house of the newborn for a feast.

Funeral: Just as birth is seen as a blessing, death is also seen as an inevitable way of life. Adherence to this view is because of the Bhutanese belief in the idea of impermanence and also because of the strong belief in life after death. Death is seen as another stage of life and is the family and friends of the deceased performs rituals on the 7th day, 14th day, 21st day and 49th day for the safe passage of the deceased to the judgment day and for a swift rebirth. The deceased is fondly remembered every year on the day of their death; butter lamps are lit and rituals are performed and this continues at least for three years.

 

Hospitability:Bhutanese hospitality is well known, a guest is always treated with respect and high regard. It is considered inauspicious to let a guest leave without at least a cup of tea. The idea of love increases through sharing has been immortalized among the Bhutanese. Volunteerism has been deeply engraved in the Bhutanese mind and perhaps this has strengthened community bonding.

Architecture: In terms of quality and originality, Bhutanese architecture is without doubt one of the best expression of the country’s unique character. Drawing inspiration from older forms and ideas, the architects of Bhutan developed a style which is peculiar to their own country. Displaying a great sense of innovation, they made each Dzong, Temple,andMonastery a unique creation, different from all others but at the same time maintaining a perfect unity of architectural style throughout the country. Each of these buildings was designed and built to harmonize with the environment and fulfill certain specific functions and many of them are true masterpieces.


Dzongs: The great fortresses known as ‘Dzongs’ are among the most striking example of Bhutanese architecture. Rising proudly at strategic places, at the entrance to the valley, at the summit of a hill or at the confluence of two rivers, Dzongs are built on a grand scale without the help of any drawings and held without a single nail and are outstanding examples of the best in Bhutanese architecture. Reflecting a certain view of religion, society and spatial organization, the Dzongs symbolize the history and long independence of Bhutan.

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) isa fairly small building of simple design, seem to have been the first forms of religious architecture. The 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.


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 the same throughout the country.


Festivals: At different time of the year, the annual festivals known as Tshechus take place in different locations. These Tshechus are festivals extolling the great deeds of Guru Padmasambhava also known as Guru Rinpoche. Festivals are celebrated for several days between three-to-five and are the occasion for dances that are purely defined in religious content. Dancers in brilliant silk costumes re-enact legendary events, accompanied by blaring horns, booming drums,and clashing cymbals as they whirl and leap against a background of sky and mountains. Certain festivals end with the unveiling and worship of huge religious applique or Thongdroel and festival goers believe that simply by viewing this Thangka, they can be delivered from the cycle of reincarnation which is the ultimate aim of Buddhism.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 jewelry. An atmosphere of convivial, slightly ribald with humor prevails.


Arts & Crafts: Bhutanese traditional arts and crafts draw upon a long tradition deeply imbued with spiritual significance. These traditional arts and crafts continue to possess its religious and spiritual significance and retain relevance in the minds and lives of the people.
All Bhutanese art, dance, drama,and music have its roots in the Buddhist religion. And this Buddhist art has a much different purpose from other contemporary art, being more subjective, symbolic and impersonal. Bhutanese craftsmen have preserved the ancient skills of their ancestors through work in bronze, iron, silver, clay, and wood.The Bhutanese consider commissioning paintings and statues as pious acts, which gain merit for the patron. Other than its spectacular architecture, the most visible manifestation of Bhutanese art is painting which is defined in three forms; Thangkas, Wall paintings,and Statues.The country’s primary dance form is classical lama dancing. Among Bhutan’s many hidden treasures is a magical mosaic of rich, vibrant hues and patterns, in myriad weaves. The weaves that have today become vivid symbols of the Dragon Kingdom.


Dress: The National dress of Bhutan is one of the most distinctive and visible aspects of the DragonKingdom’s unique character. Men wear Gho, a long robe similar to Tibetan Chhubawhile Women wear, ankle-length robe called Kira. The Bhutanese textile is made from fine, hand-woven fabric, with the colourful distinctive patterns.Formal occasions, require men to wear a scarf called Kabney that also indicates a person’s rank. Wearing Kabney is an important part of Bhutanese etiquette. In the samemanner, women wear Rachu over their left shoulder on all formal occasions.


The Way of Life: In Bhutan, everyone seems to wear a smile. Perhaps this is due to their deep-rooted Buddhist faith or maybe their sense of contentment is due to their self-sufficient lifestyle. One trait which is common to all Bhutanese is hospitality. Custom dictates that simple hospitality is extended to any and all guests, even to perfect strangers.