 Bhutan is the last bastion of the Mahayana form
of Buddhism in the world today. It was in the
8th century AD that Guru Padma Sambhava
introduced Buddhism to the country. Subsequently
this was promulgated by various other religious
figures who visited Bhutan. The dominant sect
that came to be established in the country was
the Drukpa Kargyu sect of Mahayana Buddhism,
which is now the official religion of Bhutan.
The Bhutanese are very pious people and religion
plays an important part of their daily lives.
Prayer flags fluttering in the wind, chortens (stupas),
monasteries and twirling prayer wheels are a
very common sight. Religion permeates all
strands of secular life and this has brought
about a reverence for the land and its
well-being. Religious festivals known as 'Tsechus'
and 'Dromchoes' symbolizing amity, peace and
compassion, are held annually at various parts
of the kingdom at different times of the year.
These colorful festivals are a time for the
people from various walks of life to congregate
dressed in all their finery. The most popular
festivals are Paro Tsechu (March/April), Thimphu
Tsechu (September/October) and in Bumthang
(October). During the festival, rare and sacred
masked dances, sword dances and many rituals are
performed. |
Religion Of Bhutan
