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Bhutan, our small Himalayan kingdom nestled between China and India, is known for its unique blend of tradition and modernity. One such tradition that remains an integral part of Bhutanese culture is Rimdro, an annual religious practice that combines both spiritual and social elements. Image: RMA Rimdro Rimdro, which literally means "service," is a series of rituals, ceremonies, and practices that are undertaken for a wide range of purposes, including elongating life, overcoming illness, accumulating wealth, having good harvest, successfully finishing projects, and overcoming hindrances. Some Rimdros are calendar events, undertaken seasonally or annually, while others are observed as and when necessary. The ultimate goal of all human endeavors, according to Buddhist teachings, is to reach enlightenment, the final state of happiness. However, Rimdros also serve intermediate or temporary goals, such as temporary happiness through health, long life, wealth, fame, good relationships, and the fulfillment of various wishes in one's ordinary life before reaching enlightenment. There are different types of Rimdros that correspond to various purposes. Most Rimdros consist of meditation on a deity by visualizing the deity and chanting relevant mantras. Priests visualize the deity and chant the mantras to cultivate and evoke the spiritual power associated with the deity. They then use this power to bring about the specific objectives of the Rimdro. For example, to elongate someone's life, a devotee undertakes the visualization of Buddha Amitayus and recites his mantras. As Amitayus is the Buddha of long life, the Rimdro on Buddha Amitayus helps the devotee receive the blessings of long life from Amitayus. In the same way, one may undertake or sponsor a Rimdro on the Medicine Buddha to recover from an illness or on Vajrapani to overcome a harmful spirit. Rimdros can also involve simply reciting supplications and prayers, such as the popular practice of chanting the praise to the female Buddha Tara or Guru Rinpoche in Bhutan. It is believed that when one prays to such spiritual beings, a devotee can connect to them and become conducive for receiving their blessings, which clear problems. Image:Bhutange In some Rimdros, one just reads sutras or scriptural texts as they are believed to have the power to dispel obstacles. The books are even carried around the valley to avert natural calamities. Rimdros for the deceased are mainly prayers for good rebirth in a pure Buddha realm such as Sukhavati. There are also Rimdro rituals for appeasing the deities and spirits by making offerings, libations, and ablutions. Rimdros can also be classified into four categories, aligning with four enlightened activities: peaceful, intensifying, magnetizing, and wrathful. The first category of Rimdro is conducted through peaceful means for the sake of gentle pacification of problems. The second type is about intensifying the good things, such as wealth and power, in order to have a flourishing life. The third category magnetizes others to gain control over them and lead them on to the righteousness path. The fourth type of Rimdro is the use of spiritual force in order to subjugate and subdue those (they consider) unruly and difficult beings who cause harm to others. Rimdros can even be categorized into; Rimdro is an integral part of Buddhism in Bhutan, and it is believed that these rituals are an evolution of Buddhism practices. However, some may question whether Rimdro is an original element of Buddhism or whether it belongs to another school of bliwf altogther. In conclusion, Rimdro is a timeless practice that has been passed down through generations in Bhutan. It serves both spiritual and social purposes, and is a reminder of the importance of gratitude, generosity, and compassion in our daily lives. The next time you hear of Rimdro, remember that it is not just a religious ceremony, but a way of life. Take a moment to appreciate the depth and significance of the practice. And who knows, it might just inspire you to explore more of Bhutan's ancient practices and culture.

Bhutan's Losar New Year is here, and the country is ready to celebrate the start of the Year of the Water Rabbit. The festival, which ran from February 21st to 22nd, 2023, is one of the most important holidays in Bhutan and offers a great opportunity for tourists to experience the country's culture, tradition, and outdoor activities. Cultural performers entertain a group of tourists during Nyi shu gu. Image: dailybhutan The Losar New Year begins with the Losar New Year Eve, "Nyi Shu Gu", and lasts for two weeks. However, the first three days of the New Year are the biggest celebrations. During this time, Bhutanese people prepare for the upcoming year by cleaning their homes, cooking special dishes, making offerings at temples, and dancing and singing. Temples and monasteries are sumptuously decorated, and special rituals called "choku" are performed at the monasteries on this occasion. One of the most unique traditions during Losar is the custom of partaking in archery competitions. Men from across the country try to hit targets from varying distances up to 100 meters, while women dance and cheer for the competitors. Every village in Bhutan arranges archery competitions for the New Year festivities. Food is also an important aspect of Losar celebrations. Visitors can try a variety of national dishes, ranging from red rice, stews, and chili peppers to sweet menu items such as fried biscuits, diced sugar cane, and fruit. In the locals' belief, sugarcane and green bananas must be presented on this occasion as they bring goodness for the upcoming year. Offering biscuits to the guests during Losar. Image: gobhutantours Losar is also a great time to watch families enjoy outdoor activities such as going on a picnic together. The festivals are held throughout the country and are saturated with feasting, dancing, and singing. Darts and archery are also played in the Losar New Year, with archery being known as the Bhutanese national sport. You can hear people saying "Tashi Delek" to each other during this special event, which is a greeting and a wish for a lucky and prosperous new year. Image: tripsatasia Once traveling to Bhutan on this special occasion, do not miss a chance to get into some of the following vibrant and interesting activities with the adorable Bhutanese dwellers: The dough balls with special things inside are really something that you have to try as these special things will present the receiver’s character traits but do not be unpleasant if you find something weird inside, it is just a joke for a better next year. A chili pepper inside, for instance, means that you are talkative while something white such as salt or rice inside refers that you are a kind-hearted person. However, if you receive black coal inside, it means that your heart is hopeless with a black hole. Guthuk, a noodle dish made of nine different components consisting of grains and a kind of dried cheese, fried biscuits, sugar crane meat, green bananas, fermented rice, mandarin oranges, a plethora of teas, and “shudre”, a delicious sweet, is some of other dishes that you have to try in the Losar festival. In conclusion, Bhutan's Losar New Year is a time to celebrate new beginnings, family reunions and strengthen cultural ties. Visitors can experience the unique customs and traditions of Bhutan, indulge in delicious food, and enjoy outdoor activities. The festival is a great opportunity to learn more about Bhutanese culture and make memories that will last a lifetime.

It's election season in Bhutan, and the country's political landscape is heating up as registered parties vie for a spot in the National Assembly. But with five active parties on the ballot, it can be hard to keep track of who stands for what. Here's a closer look at the major players in Bhutan's political scene: The People's Democratic Party (PDP) is one of the oldest parties in Bhutan, having been formed in 2007 by former Prime Minister Sangay Ngedup. The party is known for its progressive and royalist ideology, and is particularly popular in the west of the country. Despite coming in third in the 2018 primary elections, the PDP has a strong track record, having won 32 seats in the 2013 elections thanks to a comprehensive campaign that focused on improving the economy. The Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) is the other major party in Bhutan, having been formed in 2007 as a merger of two smaller parties. The DPT is known for its conservative and royalist views, and tends to be more popular in the east of the country. In 2008, the DPT won the first-ever general election in Bhutan, securing 45 of the 47 seats in the National Assembly. However, in the 2013 elections, the DPT lost the position of ruling party to the PDP. The Bhutan Kuen-Nyam Party (BKP) is a newer party, having been formed in 2013. The party is known for its social democratic views and is particularly popular among urban voters. The BKP did not win any seats in the 2013 elections, but is still considered a major player in Bhutan's political scene. The Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa (DNT) is also a newer party, having been formed in 2013. The party is known for its social democratic views and is particularly popular among urban voters. The DNT won 32 seats in the 2013 elections, making it the current ruling and largest party in the National Assembly. The Druk Thuendrel Tshogpa (DTT) is the newest party, having been formed in 2022. The party's ideology and position is not yet known. As Bhutan heads to the polls, it's important to keep in mind that political parties can only contest National Assembly elections, as being an independent is a requirement for contesting National Council and local government elections. So, which party will come out on top? Only time will tell. But one thing is for sure, Bhutan's political scene is more exciting than ever before.

Bhutan and Kuwait have enjoyed a strong and cordial relationship for nearly four decades, with diplomatic ties established between the two countries in 1983. The relationship between the two nations has been further strengthened by regular exchange of high-level dignitaries’ visits and economic cooperation through the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED). Bhutan King meets Kuwait Royals. Facebook: Wangchuk. His Majesty The King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar NamgyelWangchuck, arrived in the State of Kuwait on January 16th on a Royal Visit, and was received by the Crown Prince of Kuwait, His Highness Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah at Bayan Palace. During the visit, His Majesty met with the Royal Family and senior Kuwaiti government officials. He also met with the Bhutanese community living and working in Kuwait, which numbers around 3,500. Bhutan King in audience with the Bhutanese living in Kuwait. This year marks the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Bhutan and Kuwait and the two countries have much to celebrate. Economic cooperation between the two nations has been channeled mainly through the KFAED, which has been providing assistance and cooperation to Bhutan since 1983. KFAED has provided generous grants and soft loans for various developmental projects in Bhutan, as well as useful technical assistance for feasibility studies and development of industrial estate projects. In addition to this, Bhutan and Kuwait also cooperate in several international and multilateral fora. Since 2015, several hundred Bhutanese have joined the workforce in Kuwait, mainly in the hospitality and retail service sectors in some of the reputed business houses such as Al-Shaya, Americana, Trolley, and Kout Food Group. The Royal Bhutanese Embassy in Kuwait supports the overseas recruitment process and provides consular services to Bhutanese working in Kuwait. The Royal Visit to Kuwait is a testament to the strong friendship and cooperation between Bhutan and Kuwait, and we look forward to many more years of partnership between our two nations. As Bhutan is known as the land of Gross National Happiness, and Kuwait is known for its hospitality, we can be sure that this visit will be filled with warmth and joy. So, let's raise a glass to the 40 years of friendship between Bhutan and Kuwait and the many more to come.

Bhutan-China hold 11th expert group meeting on boundary issues. The 11th Expert Group Meeting (EGM) on the Bhutan-China boundary issues was held in Kunming city, China from January 10th to 13th, 2023. The Bhutanese delegation led by Dasho Letho Tobdhen Tangbi, Secretary of the International Boundaries of Bhutan, and the Chinese delegation led by H.E. Mr. Hong Liang, Director-General of the Department of Boundary and Ocean Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China. 11th Expert group meeting (EGM) on Bhutan-China boundary issues at Kunming, China. Image: mfa.gov.bt According to a joint press release, the two sides had an in-depth exchange of views on implementing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the Three-Step Roadmap for Expediting the Bhutan-China Boundary Negotiations, and reached a positive consensus. Both sides agreed to simultaneously push forward the implementation of all the steps of the Three-Step Roadmap. The two sides also agreed to increase the frequency of the expert group meetings and to keep contact through diplomatic channels on holding the 25th Round of Bhutan-China boundary talks as soon as possible at mutually convenient dates. In a show of goodwill, the Chinese government had donated a batch of supplies, and the Bhutanese side expressed appreciation. A brief handover ceremony was held during the meeting. Border disputes till date. This is a significant development for Bhutan and the region as a whole. The border disputes between China and Bhutan have been ongoing since 1984, with the two countries holding 11 expert group meetings and 24 rounds of talks over the past four decades. The disputes have largely centered around two areas: Doklam and areas along the western borders of Bhutan near the India-China-Bhutan tri-junction, and the Jakarlung and Pasamlung valleys along Bhutan's northern borders. Disputed areas between Bhutan and China. China has recently broadened the scope of the dispute by also bringing up areas along Bhutan's eastern borders in the Sakteng wildlife sanctuary, which borders India's state of Arunachal Pradesh. While the Chinese government's official statement did not mention this, it is speculated that this move is a pressure tactic to push Bhutan to accept China's previous offer of a swap of Doklam in the west for Bhutan to retain its northern territories. Doklam, in particular, is a sensitive issue for India, as the plateau is located near the Siliguri corridor, a narrow strip of land that connects India's northeastern states to the rest of the country. In 2017, India and China were involved in a long standoff in Doklam, which brought the two countries to the brink of war. A step forward to Bhutan-China boundary negotiations. This agreement between China and Bhutan is a positive development for the region and a step towards resolving long-standing border disputes. Both countries have expressed their commitment to resolving the disputes through peaceful means and it is expected that future talks will lead to a mutually acceptable solution. As the details of the three-step roadmap are not yet public, it remains to be seen what specific measures will be taken to resolve the disputes, but for now, both countries are progressing to a step in the right direction. It is important to note that Bhutan and China do not have diplomatic relations, and this agreement is seen as a positive step towards resolving the disputes. The Bhutanese government has stated that it will not take any action that would harm the interests of its neighbor and strategic partner, India. The Chinese and Bhutanese officials have agreed to push forward the three-step roadmap, which has been signed by both countries in October 2021. This move is considered as a fresh impetus to the Boundary Talks. The three-step roadmap will aim to expedite the Bhutan-China boundary negotiations. The Bhutanese government stated that this agreement will not harm India's interests. China, Bhutan sign MoU on a Three-Step Roadmap for expediting boundary talks. Image: mfa.gov.bt In conclusion, the agreement between China and Bhutan to move forward on the three-step roadmap for resolving their border disputes is a positive development for the region. The talks have been productive and both sides have expressed their commitment to resolving the disputes through peaceful means. As the details of the three-step roadmap are not yet public, it remains to be seen how the disputes will be resolved, but for now, both countries are taking a step in the right direction.

"Australia, here we come? Not so fast, folks!" That's the message from Prime Minister Dasho (Dr) Lotay Tshering, who says the government is taking steps to slow down, halt, and even reverse the trend of Bhutanese citizens heading Down Under. Image: Prime Minister Dr. Lotey Tshering during Mid Term Review (MTR) for the 12th Plan. PMO, Bhutan In a recent statement, Bhutan's Prime Minister, Dasho (Dr) Lotay Tshering, addressed the growing trend of Bhutanese citizens leaving the country in search of better opportunities abroad, particularly in Australia. The Prime Minister acknowledged that while this trend has always existed, it has become more alarming in recent years. He stated that the main reason for this trend is the lack of decent livelihood opportunities within Bhutan, and that it is only natural for citizens to seek out better opportunities elsewhere. The Prime Minister acknowledged that the government could take drastic measures to curb this trend, such as immediately stopping the issuance of passports, but said that this is not the solution the government is looking for. Instead, the government is focusing on creating a local environment that is conducive to meeting citizens' expectations, and offering education and training opportunities in various sectors, particularly in the field of Information Technology (IT). But it's not all doom and gloom for Bhutanese citizens looking to head to Australia. The Prime Minister stated that the government's main target is to create a conducive environment for Bhutanese citizens to tell themselves that the opportunity is as good in Bhutan as it is abroad. He also emphasized that the government's aim is to create opportunities not only for Bhutanese citizens, but also for global youth and young minds. To achieve this goal, the Prime Minister stated that the government must first immediately slow down the trend of citizens leaving the country, halt it, and then reverse it. This can be done by creating a conducive environment for citizens to decide not to go abroad, welcoming back those who have already left, and creating opportunities for those who decide not to come back to invest in Bhutan with the skills and knowledge they have gained abroad. The Prime Minister also highlighted that of all the countries facing brain drain and migration, Bhutan is in a unique position as most of the Bhutanese going out are for education purposes. He stated that this mass education and reskilling of the country's youth is actually an opportunity for Bhutan's future. In conclusion, the Prime Minister emphasized that the government's main focus for the turnaround is IT, as it is the driver of development in all sectors. He stated that through heavy investment in IT, Bhutanese experts who are stationed outside can work for the country and Bhutanese who are experts in other fields can also invest in Bhutan. So, while the Australian dream may not be dead, it looks like the government is taking steps to make sure Bhutanese citizens have plenty of opportunities to thrive at home before they head abroad. In the PM's statement highlights the government's commitment to addressing the trend of citizens leaving the country and creating a conducive environment for citizens to stay and thrive in Bhutan. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story!

Bhutan is known for its unique culture and religious traditions. One of the most significant events in Bhutanese culture is the death of a person, which is not seen as the end of life, but rather the start of a new one. Today we will explore the various funeral customs that are practiced in Bhutan, including the different ways in which the dead are disposed of, the rituals and ceremonies that are performed, and the beliefs surrounding death and rebirth in Bhutanese culture. We will also examine how these customs differ in urban and rural areas of Bhutan. Funerals in Bhutan There are several funeral customs in Bhutan. Traditionally, most people have chosen to cremate a deceased person close to their own home or on a riverside so that the ashes and body parts can be conveniently discarded in the water. In Lingzhi (north-west Bhutan), dead bodies are left on a mountainside for vultures and other scavengers to eat. The corpse is sliced into 108 pieces by the residents of the Merak and Sakteng settlements (eastern Bhutan) , who then throw them into the river. Whereas, in the Lhop (south-west Bhutan) community, a deceased person is often buried in the ground. Common funeral rites A Bhutanese funeral. Image: bhutantoday Although most rituals are a combination of pre-Buddhist and Buddhist elements, the rituals surrounding death and the disposition of the dead body can be divided into two categories: pre-Buddhist practices and Buddhist practices. Death is regarded as the most significant occurrence in Bhutan. Death is not considered to be the conclusion of life, but rather the start of a new one. A person is obliged to follow the fundamental guidelines of amassing merit throughout their lifetime. A lama is expected to carry out “phowa” practice just before passing away in order to transfer the awareness, which exits the body through the fontanel, breaking the connection between the consciousness and the still-living body. A lama or astrologer creates the death horoscope, or shintsi, immediately after a person passes away. This is used to determine a person's cause of death and it also details the rites that must be performed to guarantee a specific reincarnation. The directions from which the body should be removed from the house, the manner in which the corpse should be disposed of, the offerings to be made, the ceremonies to be performed, and the astrological years of the people involved are just a few of the often minute details. The body of the deceased is typically placed in a wooden box with colored scarves on top and bound in the position of a fetus. An effigy of the dead person is then placed on a little shrine, and offerings of prepared food, fruits, torma (ritual dough), and alcoholic beverages are offered as part of pre-Buddhist ritual customs. Remembering On the seventh, fourteenth, twenty-first, and forty-ninth days after someone has passed away, rituals and prayers are repeated. For a specific number of years, rituals are also performed on the day of the person's death. 49 days The consciousness is believed to wander the “bardo”, the transitional condition between death and rebirth, for forty-nine days following death. People also believe that it is the duty of the surviving family members to heighten the merit of the departed in the wandering realm so that they can find their path to rebirth and ultimately to enlightenment. Extensive ceremonies are carried out by the monks and priests to help the soul transition from one incarnation to the next. Butter lamps. Image: Vicky Darshing: Prayer flags Eighty-eight prayer flags bearing the "Om Mani Padme Hum" mantra are raised in memory of the deceased. Writing wishes on the cloth of the flag is customary. The messages in the flags raised by the grieving may include hopes of rebirth of the deceased in the joyful realm of Buddha Amitabah. White prayer flags for the deceased. Image: triptobhutan In order to benefit all sentient creatures, especially the deceased, representatives from each family bring donations in cash and chant the Om Mani Padme Hum mantra. Both copious amounts of food and liquor are consumed. The majority of people will prefer to attend on the significant days, particularly the cremation day and the 21st, when the primary rites are carried out. The households that can do so will continue to pray every day for twenty-one or forty-nine days straight. Additionally, they carry out all the rituals and practices the astrologer advised for the good of the living and the dead. Funerals in urban areas of Bhutan In urban areas, the city provides people with crematoriums near rivers called "Duethrey", where the dead bodies are burned. The rest of the rites are performed in the homes of the deceased by the family members. These cremation areas do not really have funeral services, and people associated with the deceased, such as friends and family, hold the entire cremation ceremony. So, when a person dies in Bhutan, it often becomes difficult for the family to manage the emotional distress and financial burden of the funeral. Nonetheless, duethreys are better options in cities where burning dead bodies beside one’s house is not so much of a convenience. Tachogang crematorium Paro. Image: kuensel

It's a momentous occasion for Bhutan as the small Himalayan nation makes its debut at the Miss Universe pageant on January 14, 2023. Representing Bhutan is none other than the stunning Tashi Choden, who was crowned Miss Bhutan on June 4, 2022 at the third edition of the pageant. With a decade-long gap since the last event, Tashi is honored to be the first-ever Bhutanese delegate to compete in Miss Universe. Source : Int: tashi chombal dorji But Tashi isn't just a pretty face. The 24-year-old is also smart, confident, and a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community. Born to a Bhutanese mother and a Tibetan father, Tashi was raised in Nagaland, India, until the age of three. Tragedy struck when she lost her father at just four-years old and her mother a decade later at 14. But Tashi didn't let this stop her from pursuing her dreams. Before being crowned Miss Bhutan, Tashi was already making a name for herself as a model and actress. She discovered Project Bhutan, a Bhutanese modelling agency based in Thimphu, and began participating in performances and pageants both in and outside of Bhutan at the age of 15. Her acting career has also taken off with films like Singye and Nyingtob. For Tashi, competing in beauty pageants is a journey of self-discovery that has helped her grow into a strong and motivated young woman. She sees Miss Universe as an opportunity to represent her country on a global stage, speak for young people, and promote important issues like LGBTQ+ rights. Tashi embodies the dynamism of Bhutan's youth in the 21st century and we can't wait to see what she brings to the Miss Universe stage. "Miss Bhutan Takes the Miss Universe Stage: An Interview with Tashi Choden" source: IANS. Tashi Choden is making history as the first-ever Bhutanese delegate to compete in the Miss Universe pageant. As we gear up for the competition on January 14, 2023, we caught up with Tashi to learn more about her journey, what she hopes to achieve, and what makes her the perfect representative for Bhutan. Q: Tashi, you were crowned Miss Bhutan on June 4, 2022. How does it feel to be representing your country at Miss Universe? A: It's an absolute honor to represent Bhutan at Miss Universe. This is a huge opportunity for me to learn from my fellow delegates and represent my country on a global stage. I'm excited to show the world what Bhutan has to offer and to be a part of such a prestigious event. Q: You've had a successful career as a model and actress before competing in Miss Bhutan. How has that experience prepared you for Miss Universe? A: My experience as a model and actress has definitely helped me in my journey to Miss Universe. It's allowed me to develop my confidence and public speaking skills, which will be crucial on the Miss Universe stage. Additionally, participating in other pageants and performances has helped me to understand the competition and how to prepare for it. Q: What are some of the issues you hope to raise awareness about during your time at Miss Universe? A: I hope to raise awareness about issues that are important to me, such as the rights of LGBTQ+ people. I also want to highlight Bhutan's beautiful land and culture and advocate for the preservation of our environment. I believe that Miss Universe is a great platform to help share the voice of my country and promote.

Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa (DNT) is a political party in Bhutan that was founded in 2013 by a group of young leaders and professionals. The party's leader is Dr. Lotay Tshering, who is currently the Prime Minister of Bhutan. DNT campaigned on a platform of economic development and job creation, as well as promoting transparency and accountability in government. The party also emphasized the importance of preserving Bhutan's unique culture and traditions, while also promoting modernization and progress. Dr. Lotay Tshering, Prime Minister, Bhutan. The party's rise to power is an interesting case study in Bhutanese politics, as it was able to gain a significant number of seats in the National Assembly in a relatively short period of time. DNT's success can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the party was able to tap into the growing dissatisfaction among Bhutanese citizens with the country's slow economic progress and high unemployment rate. Secondly, the party was able to appeal to young, educated Bhutanese who were looking for a fresh, new perspective in politics. However, it is important to note that DNT's rise to power was not without its challenges. The party faced a number of obstacles during the 2018 National Assembly elections, including a lack of funding and a lack of political experience among its leadership. Despite these challenges, DNT was able to overcome them and emerge victorious. Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa (DNT) has proven to be a formidable force in Bhutanese politics, rising to power in a relatively short period of time. The party's platform of economic development and job creation, as well as transparency and accountability in government, resonated with Bhutanese citizens who were looking for change. The party's emphasis on preserving Bhutan's unique culture and traditions while promoting modernization and progress also seems to have been well received by the electorate. However, as with any political party in power, DNT's performance should be constantly evaluated by its citizens and the international community. It's important to see if the party is capable of delivering on its promises, and govern in a transparent and accountable way. Furthermore, a close examination of its handling of the challenges that come with governance should be done to see if it is truly capable of leading Bhutan towards a better future.

The politics of Bhutan, like all nations, has a rich and complex history. From the days of self-imposed isolationism to the modern era of constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy, Bhutan has undergone significant change. However, one thing has remained constant: the people of Bhutan have always sought to be guided by the principles of justice and equality. Courtesy: National Assembly of Bhutan In the early days of Bhutan's history, external relations and foreign policies were put under British control through the 1910 Treaty of Punakha. But the Bhutanese people, through their policy of isolationism, were able to limit the impact of this treaty and maintain their autonomy. In 1947, India gained its independence and Bhutan and India entered into a ten-article, perpetual treaty which continued their relationship, but with India taking the place of the United Kingdom. This treaty recognized Bhutan's sovereignty and self-rule while maintaining friendly relations between the two nations. But even with this treaty, there were lingering doubts about Bhutan's true independent status. Bhutanese delegates signing the Treaty of Friendship with Indian delegates at Government House in Darjeeling in 1947 after India gained Independence. Courtesy: Dakinitranslations But in February 2007, the Indo-Bhutan Friendship Treaty was substantially revised and all references to phrases such as "will be guided" were removed, thus eliminating the last lingering doubts about Bhutan's sovereign and independent status. This was a significant step forward for Bhutan and its people, as it affirmed their right to self-determination and self-rule. Indo-Bhutan Friendship Treaty, 2007. Courtesy: gktoday The government of Bhutan, like all nations, is made up of three main branches: the executive, legislative and judicial branches. The Constitution of Bhutan provides for a government consisting of these three branches plus the de facto apolitical Dratshang Lhentshog (Monastic Affairs Commission) of the Drukpa Kagyu state religion. The secular and religious branches of government are unified in the person of the Druk Gyalpo (King of Bhutan). On October 21, 2019, Prime Minister Abe held a bilateral talk with the King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck at the Guest House Akasaka Palace. Courtesy: kantei.go.jp However, the trichotomy of secular government is not absolute. There are many independent commissions, agencies, and institutions that operate outside this general framework, such as the Royal Monetary Authority and Election Commission.

What is matriarchy? Matriarchy is a hypothetical social structure in which the mother or a female elder figure has complete control over the family unit and, consequently, one or more women (as in a council) have the same amount of power over the entire society. While some people may regard any non-patriarchal society as matriarchal, others do not include those systems in the technical definition of matriarchies. Image of a Bhutanese mother with her children. Picture source: Neptuneholidaysbhutan. Roles of Bhutanese women in a matriarchal society Bhutan has a historically matriarchal social structure, with women serving as the head of the home and making decisions. Having a daughter is regarded more favorably in Bhutan than having a son, in contrast to many communities in China and India. The reason for this is that daughters have a reputation for providing greater care for the household and aging parents. Women and men participate equally in decision-making at the local, state, and federal levels, but at the grassroots level, female participation can reach up to 70%. Contrary to many other regions of the world, Bhutan does not have directly institutionalized discrimination against women. The nation's Buddhist beliefs may be linked to Bhutan's female empowerment. Bhutanese culture is highly influenced by Buddhist values , which holds men and women on an equal footing. In most regions of Bhutan, properties are passed to a Bhutanese woman. Women also own about half the country's land, and in some rural areas, their percentage might reach 60%. Also typical is the bridegroom's relocation to the bride's home. When a woman marries, she does not adopt her husband's name. At birth, daughters do not also adopt their father's name. They frequently assist the men working in the field. In both the public and private sectors, they hold managerial positions. Married women frequently earn as much money as their husbands do in addition to taking care of the home. In some families, women even provide the primary source of income. Questioning the prevailing gender inequality Just because Bhutan is traditionally a matriarchal society doesn’t mean that gender inequality doesn’t exist in the nation. These issues are apparent in women’s participation in leadership positions. Even while they take part in decision-making at all levels, women still trail behind in the economy and in political engagement. Women make up just 8.5% of the national assembly and 24% of the national council, which has a lower percentage of female employees than male employees. There are primarily two reasons. The first is that traditionally, women in Bhutan have had less access to education than men. Bhutanese preferred to send more boys than girls to school when the nation initially started its effort for national development. Back then, safety for the girls was a concern. As a result, there were very few women in prominent positions of authority in the public service. School going girls in Bhutan. Picture courtesy: Daily Bhutan. In addition, women are perceived as being the protectors and caregivers of the home. The advancement of Bhutanese women professionally has been hampered by this assumption. According to a study from 2001, women handled all of the cooking and cleaning in 80% of rural homes. In metropolitan regions, where 90% of households assigned the responsibility of maintaining the home to women, the percentage was considerably greater. A different study from 2012 found that roughly 62% of the women asked said their home lives prevented them from participating in public life. Additionally, while women in Bhutan receive three months of paid maternity leave, abortion is still not permitted in the nation. This forces women who lack authority of their own body from Bhutan to cross the border into India in search of abortion procedures which are often cheap and unsafe.

Sandwiched between two big nations lies the small kingdom of Bhutan. There are twenty different districts in the country, and each region either has its own language that finds its roots in Tibeto-Burman or has its own unique dialect. Bhutanese newspaper in Dzongkha. Courtesy: https://lindagoeseast.com The national language of Bhutan is referred to as "Dzongkha". The term is a combination of the words "fortress" and "language," and as such, signifies "the language of the fortress". The larger Tibeto-Burman or Sino-Tibetan family of languages includes Dzongkha, which belongs to the Central Bodish group. The Ngalongkha, or language of the Ngalong, which is the term given to the dialects that are spoken in the western valleys, is the language's modern name. Initially, this name was only applied to a portion of the Shar district, but through time, it spread to include the entire western region of Bhutan, from the Pelela Pass to Haa. Due to the fact that political offices were mostly located in areas where Ngalongkha was spoken, it soon became the official language of Bhutan after the country's unification. Trongsa was the only major city that did not belong to the Ngalongkha-speaking region in medieval Bhutan. It later became the official and national language of the country. It shares many similarities and some linguistic similarities with Sikkimese as well as other Bhutanese languages such as Chocha Ngacha, Brokpa, Brokkat, and Lakha. Presently, there are a few native speakers in the area of Kalimpong, an Indian town that was formerly located in Bhutan but is now in Sikkim and North Bengal. A word in Dzongkha can have two meanings as it is a two-toned language. It is written from left to right and uses Tibetan alphabets. It has the same basic subject-object-verb structure for sentence construction as Tibeto-Burman languages. Bhutanese people frequently write in Uchen (script for official papers and books) and Joyig (script for casual writing). Although most Bhutanese today cannot read Umé script and connect it with Tibetans, ancient manuscripts kept in Bhutan's temples appear to show that Bhutanese wrote a great deal in a variety of Umé scripts in the past. Language map Bhutan. Photo: Public domain Modern Dzongkha, based on these dialects but devoid of regional accents or variances, is, the primary dialect used in government communication and the media. Meanwhile, English is used as the second language in such institutions and platforms. In monastic institutions, instruction is still given in both traditional Tibetan and Dzongkha, and all schoolchildren learn Dzongkha for about an hour each day. Since they frequently write in traditional Tibetan, monastic academics are the primary users of written Dzongkha. In Dzongkha, Bhutan is known as "Drukyul" (which translates to "the land of the Thunder Dragon"). Tibet has a long-standing connection to the dragon. After being compelled by rival rulers to flee his kingdom in Kham, the Tibetan saint Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal came to Bhutan and named the country "Drukyul". People who live in Drukyul are known as "Drukpa" much like the nation. Use of the term "Druk" has progressively decreased as the nation has come to be known as the "Kingdom of Bhutan." Dzongkha alphabets Picture courtesy: https://omniglot.com/writing/dzongkha.php Some basic Dzongkha phrases and words: Although the national language of Bhutan is Dzongkha, a fun fact about Bhutanese schools is that most of the subjects in schools are taught in English, such as science, history, geography, and even mathematics. This is probably why many young people in Bhutan are able to communicate in English as well as in Dzongkha, sometimes even better than in their native language. However, with the growing popularity of English in the nation, the national language has also slowly deteriorated. The Dzongkha Development Commission was formed as a means to promote and keep Dzongkha alive. In fact, they initiated several attempts to combat language-related issues, such as "Dzongjug", which is an assessment tool to determine the Dzongkha language skills of a person. The question then at hand is whether these solutions will bring positive changes or be ineffective. Nevertheless, Dzongkha will always be one of the most interesting South-East Asian languages among many other ethnic varieties in Asia.