Bhutan’s Culture, Heritage and Arts
![Writer: Rigzin Tharchen (BSc Env Mgt) [Cohort2022 RTC]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocLJpHqXeI2NaAtWWDk19SuNdIJOny02VN-VlsXYnLz7KFCuxYQ%3Ds96-c)
Every Bhutanese home has an altar despite the sizes, the altar where they praise gods and seek protection and these altars are carved from finest of woods and painted with decorative flowers, the precious of altars are considered to be the statues that lay inside the shelves of the altars that are made from the clean clays sanctified by the saints. And if you past a valley, your gaze will be seized by the colored houses embellished with phalluses on the mud-stacked walls and whiff of chili-cheese swiveling through the kitchen of the houses will incapacitate your olfactory system. Beyond the sky and earth, these cultural heritages and arts are paramount importance in defining Bhutan.
“If we are to preserve culture we must continue to create it.” – Johan Huizinga
Our meals are complete only if all the family members are present, we sit around squatting on the floor as the head of the family would put the foods. We offer to the gods as we thank them. When I first went to college, everyone in my village came to meet me with money and wished me luck for the journey I was about to embark on. I think that’s what culture is for Bhutanese than just wearing Gho and Kira (Bhutan’s traditional attire for men and women respectively).
You and I live in a technology-surpassed epoch where we have lost a homely interaction sitting with friends in a café to parleying with automated electronic devices. I know that it’s becoming challenging Besides our famous individualism, there is another ingredient in the Bhutanese culture, we practice compassion and give credence to the circle of Karma.
The 17 th Century originated thirteen traditional arts and crafts also known as “Zorig Chusum” is the genesis of all other forms of arts in Bhutan. Zorig Chusum includes thangka (mural) painting, sculpture, carving, calligraphy, casting, paper making, embroidery, textile, carpentry, masonry, bamboo weaving, gold and silversmithing, and blacksmithing. The arts in Bhutan are closely welded with Buddhism. Bhutanese believe that the arts and crafts in Bhutan are the sacred representation of the body, speech and mind of the Buddhas and Bodhisattavas.
The murals of Buddha, embroidered thangka of Guru Rinpoche, golden scriptures on the prayer wheels to the idyllically carved altar are some paradigms. The stone stupa or Chortens are also considered as arts, for they are monumental architecture unfolding the history and importance of the place. The illusive fortresses or the Dzongs in Bhutan are fine epitome of Bhutanese architecture and I am sure a glance is enough at those monuments to relinquish upon seeking the definition of beauty.
“It is not question of whether we have the capability to achieve success. The question is, will we make the choice to stand up and take responsibility? will we choose to make difference?” .”
— His Majesty the King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
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