10 Customs and Traditions in Bhutan
Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon, known as Drukyul to the natives, is full of culture, festivities, living traditions and expansive mountains teeming with lush green wilderness. Not to mention the centuries-old monasteries, fortresses (or Dzongs) and dramatic, sweeping, mountainous landscapes.
There is so much to explore it can be difficult to know where to start, so here’s a handy guide to help navigate the many eclectic and unique customs and traditions in Bhutan.
What Customs and Traditions in Bhutan Can You Expect During Your Visit?
1. Language
First on our list of customs and traditions in Bhutan is the language.
While there are many different languages and dialects spoken in this diverse country, the official language of Bhutan is called ‘Dzongkha.’
Dzongkha is a particularly special language, as it holds cultural and religious significance to the Bhutanese people. You would typically find people practising their Dzongkha across government administration systems, schools, and amongst the native Bhutanese who have passed this ancient language down throughout their many family generations.
There are also many other unique languages spoken in the country which reflect its rich cultural tapestry among the customs and traditions in Bhutan, including Sharchopkha and Lhotshamkha.
Dzongkha can be a particularly tricky language to master, but fortunately for the many tourists who visit each year, English is widely spoken among most Bhutanese.
However, if you want to give it a go, the locals deeply appreciate the efforts made by tourists and visitors to speak the local language of Dzongkha, so we suggest starting with a simple greeting of ‘Kuzuzangpo la’ for ‘Hello’ and ‘Kadrin chhe la’ for ‘Thank you’.
The linguistic diversity in Bhutan is a testament to the astounding commitment to preserving Bhutanese cultural heritage, an impressive accomplishment in the ever-changing modern world.
2. Buddhism
Bhutan is the last great Himalayan kingdom, a magical and mystical country enveloped in a rich, enchanting history.
Buddhism was first introduced to Bhutan in the 8th century AD, when the Indian saint Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, visited the region.
According to an old Bhutanese legend, he emerged fully enlightened from a lotus flower (a common symbol of Buddhism, differentiating from the water lily) and later became the revered patron saint of Bhutan, founding the Nyingma sect of Buddhism.
If you’re interested in learning more about the symbolism of the lotus flower, find out more from flower distributor Floraly in their blog on the meaning and history behind this sacred plant.
While this marvellous and mountainous metropolis of nature, wildlife and tradition was historically a remote kingdom, Bhutan became less isolated in the second half of the 20th century.
Today, the practice of Buddhism permeates all aspects of life in Bhutan, influencing its art, architecture, festivals, and daily rituals, making it an inseparable part of the country’s cultural fabric. Traditional Buddhist culture continues to thrive and develop harmoniously alongside the modern world, and we see this celebrated across the many unique customs and traditions in Bhutan.
3. Food
Similar to other customs and traditions in Bhutan, the links to Asian cultures are endless, and Bhutanese cuisine generally has a lot in common with Asian cuisine. The main difference is that in Bhutan, pepper and rice are more commonly used, as well as potatoes, which come from Indian influences.
The base of Bhutanese cuisine is rice, specifically red rice, which is a type of very tasty brown rice with a unique nutty flavour. Bhutanese cooks also tend to use a lot of buckwheat and corn. Meat is a staple amongst typical, everyday Bhutanese dishes, so you can expect to eat a lot of beef, pork, lamb and even yak if you’re brave enough!
Bhutanese dishes are known to be very spicy, as cooks infuse their dishes with lots of chilli and cheese. These favoured ingredients make up the inspired national dish, Ema Datshi, which is a combination of hot green chillies and a warm cheesy sauce. If you can handle the heat, this delicacy is definitely one to add to the tasting list.
Tip: When enjoying a meal together, it is traditional to wait for everyone to be served before tucking into your Bhutanese meal.
Here are a few delectable dishes you should try during your visit to Bhutan:
- Momos – A dumpling served fried or steamed and flavoured with Bhutanese spicy chilli. Traditionally made with yak, but you can choose to have it with beef or vegetables if you prefer to play it safe or if you have dietary requirements.
- Ema Datshi – As we mentioned, this one is a spicy Bhutanese stew made from hot chilli peppers and cheese, the national dish of the country. A must-try for those seeking authentic Bhutanese experiences!
- Jasha Maroo – A spicy, chilli-infused chicken stew typically prepared with red and green chillies, garlic, ginger, onions and tomatoes. This flavourful, warming dish reflects the vibrant culinary traditions of Bhutan and is bound to keep you toasty with its blend of aromatic spices.
Vegetarians and vegans can simply ask for their dishes to be served meatless or without dairy and Bhutanese cooks are usually more than happy to accommodate. Your guide will also know some great local hotspot areas to eat depending on your dietary preferences, so you can experience delicious cuisine among the more unique customs and traditions in Bhutan
A service charge is usually included in restaurant and hotel bills, but if you would like to tip more, then this will be welcomed by the locals graciously.
4. National Dress
With the national dress in Bhutan, it’s normal for people to wear colourful and traditional dresses. Within the customs and traditions in Bhutan, there are two types of specific robes worn by the men and women:
- For the men, you’ll mostly find them dressed in a ‘Gho’ which is made up of a large, lengthy piece of fabric fastened at the waist with a slender matching fabric belt known as ‘Kera.’
- The women typically wear a ‘Kira’, a long sarong-style wrap-around dress that falls to the ankles, secured by a waist belt and clasped at the shoulders with shining silver brooches called ‘Korma.’
Modesty is the key theme in Bhutanese fashion. If you’re visiting Bhutan, avoid packing clothes like shorts, crop tops, short skirts and any naturally revealing garments. It’s expected of visitors to dress respectfully and modestly, and this is even more important to remember when you’re visiting a Dzong or temple. This part of Bhutanese culture is among the more highly respected customs and traditions in Bhutan, and so visitors are expected to respectfully uphold this.
If you would like to fully embrace the Bhutanese fashion and don one of the traditional dresses, the locals are usually happy to help source these for you and help find the right style to match your desired, traditional Bhutanese look. This shows an active participation in the customs and traditions in Bhutan and is a simple way to get more involved in Bhutanese culture during your visit.
5. Archery
Coming up fifth on our list of customs and traditions in Bhutan is archery, which is classified as the national sport in Bhutan.
Its history comes from another Bhutanese legend involving an arrow shot from a mountain, sent flying as a symbol of prayers to the patron and protector of the lands, Yeshey Gonpo.
And henceforth, adding to the list of customs and traditions in Bhutan, a new tradition is born. The bow and arrow have since been an important piece of symbolism in Bhutanese culture. On your visit, you can spot this usually represented in art, religion, and of course, sport being the main attribution.
6. Music and Dance
As we now know, many of the customs and traditions in Bhutan and its culture draw essence from Buddhism, and this couldn’t be clearer than in its music and dance. Usually, the lamas and monks are credited for the creation of the songs and introduction of dances.
These dances often incorporate traditional instruments such as ‘Chiwang’ (two-stringed fiddle), ‘Dramnyen’ (a large rebec), ‘Lingm’ (six-holed flute), ‘Aungli’ (horn) to name a few.
Traditional folk variations aren’t typically played unless there are special celebrations such as Tsechu (a religious Bhutanese festival), archery matches, royal coronations and birth anniversaries. If you get to witness one of these rare customs and traditions in Bhutan, make sure to take plenty of pictures to capture the magical moment!
7. Monks
Monks are highly respected in Bhutan and play an important part in community life and worship. In the past, it was common for one son from each family to enter the monastery, one of the customs and traditions in Bhutan that we don’t see as much of nowadays.
From the most recently documented Bhutanese government records, there are more than eight primary monasteries and around 200 smaller monastic institutions, housing a community of over 12,000 monks and 5,000 nuns in Bhutan.
Awakening as early as 4:30 am, the Bhutanese monks spend their days dedicating themselves to the contemplation and meditation of the self, praying and chanting their sacred mantras. They also do physical work and complete each task with precision, aiming to be as present and self-aware as possible in these simple, everyday moments.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Bhutanese monk life is the tradition of debating. Monks engage in intense philosophical debates, using logic and wit to explore the complexities of Buddhist teachings. This is an opportunity for them to deepen their understanding of the teachings and apply them to their daily lives. Perhaps we could all take a leaf out of a monk’s psyche!
The Buddhist monks of Bhutan have a unique perspective which emphasises humility, renouncement of material possessions, and most importantly compassion for others. It’s wonderful to see the nourishment which the monks provide one another in their self-made communities and their humble pursuit of happiness. This is one of the customs and traditions in Bhutan which is incredibly special and well-loved, and we urge visitors to stay in one of the many monasteries residing in Bhutan to get a hands-on experience and find out more about the monks’ way of life.
8. Architecture and Temple Etiquette
Some of the main religious sights in Bhutan are the famous Dzongs and old temples.
Bursting with mythology and the folklore tales passed down centuries of generations, these sacred destinations are an absolute must-visit.
If you’re visiting a Dzong or temple, it’s important to remember to remove external clothing such as shoes, hats, and sunglasses before you go in. Maintain a calm and collected sense of self, and speak in soft tones to pay respect to the ancient relics and delicate remains. To follow temple etiquette and conduct, remember to walk in a clockwise route throughout the spaces you’re sightseeing.
Don’t be tempted to pick up any stones and throw them anywhere or take them home with you, as this is considered deeply disrespectful to the sacred lands. Taking photos is okay in the courtyards of holy places, but it is not allowed inside the temples. It is considered polite for visitors to leave a small amount of money on the altar when approaching the centre of the temple. When you do this, a monk may pour a small amount of holy water into your hands, and you can then make the gesture of drinking it and trickle the remaining water over your head starting at the front and ending at the back.
9. Textiles
In recent years, Bhutan’s textile tradition has grown hugely from its humble origins, entering into our top 10 list of customs and traditions in Bhutan.
Bhutanese weaving is now a celebrated form of textile production, appreciated and admired all around the world by experts and collectors for its unique craft and artistic skill.
Bhutanese textiles represent a rich and complex origin of a unique art form. They are recognised for:
- Their abundance of colour
- Sophistication and variation of patterns
- Intricate dyeing and weaving techniques
The weaving is usually done by Bhutanese women, one of the customs and traditions in Bhutan which has been honed and perfected for centuries.
Bhutan’s textile traditions continue to evolve, from the growing interest in natural dyeing among lifelong weavers, to the young people of Bhutan reinventing their national dress. From ancient techniques to modern styles, Bhutan’s fabrics tell ancient tales of the history and artistry of this magical land shrouded in mystery and intrigue.
10. Art and Literature
To wrap up our guide to the customs and traditions in Bhutan, we have art and literature.
Bhutan’s historical and mythical figures are often depicted through paintings, poetry, sculptures, and theatres, proudly showcasing their gallant and enchanting stories. Exploring these realms of interest is a worthwhile experience during your visit.
These arts and crafts are often seen as everyday items and decorations in homes, temples, and various buildings, one of the everyday customs and traditions in Bhutan.
In Bhutan, the arts and crafts are collectively classified into 13 different types, and Bhutanese crafts (particularly textiles) have gained international recognition in recent years.
Mostly the literature of Bhutan is word-of-mouth, with stories of myths, legends, folktales and personal native stories of the past passed down from one generation to another over centuries. Art and literature are some of the oldest customs and traditions in Bhutan, and worth learning more about on your trip.
If there is any text recorded in Bhutan, it’s mostly written in the format of ‘Choekay,’ an ancient and archaic language which even the locals struggle to get to grips with.
We hope this guide to the top 10 customs and traditions in Bhutan serves you on your next trip to this historic, fabled country. There is so much to explore, and our on-the-ground team can help plan your tailored trip to ensure you don’t miss out on the many remarkable customs and traditions in Bhutan.
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If you enjoyed this blog on the unique customs and traditions in Bhutan, our blog on Customs and Traditions in Indian Culture will give you insight into the cultures and traditions in India.