Bhutan is a country that has pretty much kept its religion, culture, and traditions intact over the years. Most of its customs and lifestyles are based purely on religion. Most of its traditions are Indo-Nepalese influenced.
General etiquette
Shoes should be removed before entering any dzong, goemba, or religious building. Always dress modestly and void wearing revealing clothes. It is also considered rude to touch anyone on the head. the traditional Bhutanese greeting is a bow with the arms low and outstretched. When eating with a group of people, wait till everyone has been served before you start.
Religion
Bhutan is a predominantly Buddhist state. The religious composition of Butan shows the following: 74.8% Vajrayana Buddhism (state religion), 22.6% Hinduism, 1.9% Bon and other indigenous faith, 0.5% Christianity, 0.4% Islam, 0.2% Other
Food and cuisine
Rice forms the basis of most Bhutanese meals. It is usually accompanied by other side dishes consisting of meat or vegetables. Other ingredients include pork, beef and chicken, Spinach, pumpkins, turnips, radishes, tomatoes, river weed, onions, and green beans, to mention but a few. Some of the dishes include:
Ema Datshi- This is the National Dish which is a spicy mix of chilies and the delicious local cheese known as Datshi. Variations on Ema Datshi include adding green beans, ferns, potatoes, mushrooms, or swapping the regular cheese for yak cheese.
- Momos- These are dumplings stuffed with pork, beef, cabbages, and cheese. They are made and eaten traditionally eaten during special occasions.
- Paksha Paa- this is Pork cooked with spicy red chillis. It can also include radishes or spinach. A popular variation uses sun-dried (known as Sicaam).
- Hoentoe: these are aromatic buckwheat dumplings stuffed with turnip greens, datshi (cheese), spinach, and other ingredients.
- Jasha Maru- is a dish of spicy minced chicken, tomatoes, and other ingredients that is usually
- Goep (Tripe)– this is widely enjoyed in Bhutan and cooked with plenty of spicy chillis and chili powder.
Music
Bhutanese music and dances are very distinctive. Bhutanese use music in every aspect of life, from traditional rituals to celebrating and socializing, expression, and transmitting core knowledge, experiences, and values to the younger generation.
Bhutanese music includes a spectrum of subgenres, ranging from folk to religious songs and music. It is largely influenced by religion. Instruments used include the lingam-a six-holed flute, the chiwang- a Tibetan two-stringed fiddle, the dramnyen, Langtang namborong- a four-holed bamboo bass flute, kongkha- a bamboo mouth harp, and gombu- a bull or buffalo horn, and the yangchen,
Sport
Bhutan participates in modern international tournaments or competitions in different sporting codes. Traditional or indigenous sports include the Khuru, soksom, digor, and pundo. Other winter sports include
- Archery is a national sport and is played internationally including at the Olympics
- Basketball- The country joined the international basketball federation FIBA in 1983 and has played many qualification games
- Football- it is run by the Bhutan Football Federation.
- Futsal- The national futsal team represents Bhutan in international futsal competitions and is run by the Bhutan Football Federation.
- Cricket- Bhutan is an affiliate nation in the ICC. It became an affiliate member of the ICC in 2001.
" Its a place to be" - Martin from Canada
