BHUTAN – THE LAST SHANGRI LA

Bhutan is the last existing Buddhist kingdom that sits in the southeast Asian domain. The country pioneered the concept of Gross National Happiness to measure its overall qualitative development. It measures its yearly development through four cardinal objectives - economic growth, cultural preservation, environmental sustainability & good governance. The Government of Bhutan has deemed it mandatory for the country to remain 70% forested to ensure that the coming generation get to live in an ecologically rich habitat, untouched by the harmful clutches of industrialization.

AN ENVIRONMENTALLY PRESERVED KINGDOM

The elevation differs throughout Bhutan, and so does the climate, with arctic snow-laden weather in the north, chilly temperate weather in the central domain & subtropical weather in the southern region which is affected by the tropical monsoons. Bhutan was a closed off kingdom for a long time, who did not expose itself to the changes of the modern world. This was done to protect the rich forest cover scattered throughout the domain of the Shangri La. Its meticulously conserved environment has attracted thousands and millions over the country of Shangri La to witness its pure beauty.

THE LAND OF ANCIENT FORTRESSES

Bhutan, having never been captured by the colonists, maintains a grand image in front of the tourists, looking untouched by the rampage of modernity. It is dotted with ancient dzongs or fortresses which were used by the Bhutanese army as security & defending points. Dzongs, along with monasteries, offer you locations to discover breathtaking oriental architecture in the premises of the Shangri La. It also offers a deeper insight to Buddhism as a religion as well as a way of life for the Bhutanese locals. With breathtaking locations like Thimphu, Punakha, Paro & more, Bhutan is a utopia of unopened treasures, waiting to be explored.

BIRTH OF BUDDHIST CULTURE IN BHUTAN

Guru Rinpoche, also known as Guru Padmasambhava, is the saint who introduced the religion of Buddhism in Bhutan. Hence, he is considered to be the patron saint of Bhutan and is worshipped nationwide. It is said that the saint was already famous in India for subduing demons and fighting evil. A local Bhutanese ruler from Bumthang requested him to subdue a demon who was wrecking havoc to the health and vitality of the king. It was then when Guru Padmasambhava rode on the back of a shape-shifting tigress and reached Paro to meditate. He then traveled to Bumthang and meditated again inside a cave. The cave sustains his body imprint to this day, and a temple is built around it, named the Kurjey Lhakhang. Guru Padmasambhava is said to have dueled and successfully subdued the malignant spirit to help the king, thereafter which, the king became a patron of Buddhism, playing a crucial role in spreading the religion all over Bhutan from the heart of Bumthang.

FESTIVALS IN BHUTAN

One of the most crucial festivals celebrated throughout the monasteries of Bhutan is the festival of Tsechu which commemorates the birth of Guru Rinpoche. A larger-than-life-sized scroll is unfurled in the courtyard of the monasteries for public viewing. The scroll contains great visual depictions of the patron saint & his eight manifestations, embroidered or hand painted. Then the ceremonies start, which includes performances by locals and monks alike, dressed in vibrant costumes and fierce looking head gears t represent monsters from the mythology. It is said that witnessing these narratives and performances bring good luck and harmony to one’s life. They are an extremely colorful affair to witness all the same. The locals also celebrate the Black Necked Crane Festival which is organized to grow awareness regarding their endangered status in an effort to preserve their habitat.

CUISINE OF BHUTAN

The people of Bhutan eat simple gravy based dishes flavored with chili and locally manufactured soft & mildly pungent cheese. To keep themselves warm in the chilly weather, they eat a lot of chilies in their meals. With a dollop of steamed red rice or soft buckwheat pancakes served with butter, you will get served a gravy based dish made with potatoes and cheese, dried meat cuts and cheese, et cetera. They also enjoy indulging in hot cups of salty buttered tea.

PLACES TO EXPLORE

• Paro Taktsang
• Punakha Dzong
• Tashichho Dzong
• Manas National Park
• National Museum of Bhutan
• Motithang Takin Preserve
• Folk Heritage Museum
• Kurjey Lhakhang

NEAREST TRANSPORT POINTS

Bagdogra Airport

Jaigaon Bus Stand

New Jalpaiguri Railway Station