BHUTAN

Pubblicato da ziyuusan August 25, 2012

BHUTAN

A newcomer's photostory

GNH: The little kingdom of Bhutan, which has embraced democracy in 2008, is worldwide known for the peculiar Gross National Happiness (GNH) concept. Launched by the country’s IV King, the concept intends to provide a than the traditional GDP-yardstick. GNH hallmarks, or aims at hallmarking, anything truly Bhutanese.

Royal family: As with many other aspects of the country, the Bhutanese Royal Dynasty is the youngest in the world. It was established only in 1907 and is currently led by the 5^th King, who ascended the throne in 2008 after the unexpected abdication of his father. The new King got married in October 2011; the royal couple, whose portraits can be found anywhere across the country, enjoys wide popular support.

Dzongkha: A variety of languages are spoken in the country. With the overall urban population commonly speaking English and many of local dialects traditionally lacking a script, Dzongkha is officially Bhutan’s national idiom. It uses the Tibetan alphabet.

Traditional attire: One of the measures enforced to ensure preservation of traditional culture and habits has it that at least Monday to Friday Bhutanese workers are expected to wear traditional garments, namely the “kira” (dress for women made of a skirt, blouse and jacket) and the “gho” (a knee-long rope for men). Traditional clothes are to be put on for entrance to be granted into public offices and religious premises; actual dress-code requirements are in place for attending public and religious functions.

Buddhism: Buddhism, which is Bhutan’s State religion, strongly influences the lifestyle of Bhutanese people. My host parents would wake up every morning around 5-5.30 to practice some 60 minutes of meditation.

Nature: With environmental preservation being deeply engrained into the GNH philosophy and highly cared for by the people, the country features breath-taking natural scenarios. Whenever venturing into its valleys and mountains, symbols of religious devotion can be found everywhere, which further increase the beauty and fascination of the place.

Vegetation: A by-product of environmental preservation is the care for wild-life. A variety of beautiful flowers and plants are to be found in Bhutan’s natural landscapes. The Himalayan blue poppy is the country’s national flower.

Wildlife: The takin (burdorcas taxicolor) is Bhutan’s national animal. It resembles a very curious mix between a goat and a cow and to date remains a scientific mystery. Its origins are intertwined with religion and mythology and, according to legends, are connected with Lama Drukpa Kunley, “the Divine Madman” of Bhutanese Buddhism.

Cuisine: Hot, hot and hot! Chilly is the king of Bhutan’s food. It comes in a few varieties (from green to red) and can also be eaten raw. Anyhow, it’s hard to avoid.

Tiger’s Nest: Cuddled up against a rocky mountain 900 meters above the valley, Taktshang Goemba is Bhutan’s most famous monastery and top attraction. Again, a plethora of religious mythological legends surround its origins. The (demanding) hike is spotted with religious halls and monks’ cells along the way.

National Memorial Chorten: A “chorten” is a Buddhist reliquary and stands for one of Bhutan’s traditional buildings. The National Memorial Chorten in Thimphu is one main place of worship in the capital. Both at daytime and in the night it is constantly visited by the faithful in prayer. The most common religion in the country is Buddhism, which first developed with a strong influence from Tibetan Buddhism.

Punakha dzong: Located in what used to be Bhutan’s capital, the Punakha dzong hosts royal ceremonies such as coronations and weddings (including the Oct. 2011 one). It is Bhutan’s second oldest dzong and among the country’s most beautiful ones, particularly in the spring as jaracanda flowers blossom.

Paro dzong: A “dzong” is a Bhutanese traditional building which is home to both the administrative and religious centers of a “donzgkhag” (district). The one located in the thriving city of Paro is considered to be among the best built and preserved in the country.

Visa: The headache of most travelers to Bhutan! Except for SAARC citizens, foreign travelers intending to visit Bhutan are in fact required to pay a USD 250 fee per day for each day of their stay in the country. The fee supposedly covers main travel expenses but makes traveling to the country particularly expensive, which accounts for the fairly small though increasing number of (generally senior) visitors that travel to Bhutan every year. In my case the fee requirement was waived since I went volunteering.

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