Bhutan has a unique and distinctive culture and tradition. A small kingdom with a small population is proud of its diverse culture. To protect the sovereignty of the country, Bhutan feels it is important to preserve the culture and tradition. The uniqueness of the tradition and culture is visible in everyday life of the Bhutanese.
Birth
The birth of a child is welcomed without any gender discrimination. The names are generally given by a religious person after the child is taken to the temple of the local deity.The horoscope of the baby is written based on the Bhutanese calendar. This horoscope details out the time and date of the birth, predicts the future of the child, and rituals to be executed at different stages in the life of the child as a remedy to possible illness, problems and misfortune.
Festivals:
Festivals in Bhutan take place at different times of the year, in different places. The festival is known to Bhutanese as “TSHECHU”.
Tshechu are celebrated for several days. One would be able to witness Bhutanese Folk Dances, Religious dance, Mask Dances known as ‘Cham’, and other religious dramas and epics of great known saints of Buddhism. These dances are performed by Monks and Lay people.
Atsara or clowns, with their expressive masks are an indispensable element in any religious festival. They confront the monks, toss out jokes, and entertain the crowd. Atsara are believed to represent religious masters. They are the only people permitted to mock religion in a society where sacred matters are treated with the highest respect.
Most Tshechus end with the displaying of a huge applique thangkha (scroll) called “Thongdroel”. The Thongdroel is unveiled at first light to bring enlightenment to all who view it. Buddhist believe that by simply viewing this Thongdroel, one can be delivered from the cycle of reincarnation.
For the Bhutanese, religious festivals offer an opportunity to become immersed in the meaning of their religion and gain merit. It is also an occasion for seeing people, and for being seen, for social exchanges, and for flaunting success. People wear their finest clothes and jewelry. Men and women joke and flirt. It is a good-spirited atmosphere for social gatherings.