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The concept that directs Bhutan's administration is known as "gross national happiness" (GNH). It provides a metric for gauging a population's general contentment and wellbeing. The Bhutanese Constitution, which came into effect on July 18, 2008, established the Gross National Happiness Index as the country's primary measure of success. The concept of GNH was developed by the fourth king of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuk, and was nurtured throughout the modernization period of Bhutan under the rule of Druk Gyalpo, the third king of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. According to the idea, progress should be approached holistically, and non-economic components of wellbeing should be given the same weight as economic ones. GNH is distinguished from GDP by prioritizing collective happiness as the purpose of governance, emphasizing harmony with the natural environmental and cultural values as reflected in the 9 categories of happiness and 4 pillars of GNH, and considering individual happiness as a subset of collective happiness. The four pillars of GNH: Sustainable and sociology-economic development. Preservation and promotion of culture. Protection and preservation of the environment. Good Governance. The nine domains of happiness are as follows: Psychological and emotional well-being. Proper living standards Health. Culture. Education. Community vitality. Good governance. Balanced time use. Ecological integration. Source for pillars and domains: https://www.mfa.gov.bt/rbedelhi/Bhutan-at-Glance/Gross-National-Happiness/ Bhutan's Gross National Happiness Commission is responsible for putting GNH into practice. The GNH Commission is led by the prime minister and includes the secretaries of all other government departments as well as the commission's secretary. The creation and execution of the country's 5-year plan as well as the promulgation of policies are tasks assigned to the GNH Commission. The GNH commission uses a GNH policy screening tool and a GNH project screening tool to decide whether to approve policies or carry out projects. They also use the GNH screening tools to predict how policy measures would affect the levels of GNH in Bhutan. The GNH Center Bhutan (GNHCB) was also established as a tribute to further execute GNH's mission and philosophy. Azhi Kezang Choden Wangchuck serves as the patron of the GNHCB. The center sees itself as a promoter of compassionate GNH ideals and is driven to build a society where true happiness exists. They also strive to provide sustainable solutions for people and the earth in accordance with GNH's ideals of people-centricity. Bhutan's GNH Index stands apart from other models in part because religious behavior assessment components are not included in other models since they were created for secular countries. The information, which varies over time, is utilized to compare levels of happiness among various groups of citizens. In western societies, the goal of happiness is to lessen a person's sadness. Success and self-fulfillment serve as its defining characteristics. Autonomy and independence are heavily emphasized. It refers to a person's psychological status as an individual and is strongly connected to material wealth. Furthermore, the Gross National Product (GNP) is the key social welfare measure in the West. Courtesy: Bhutan Soul Alternatively, collectivism is how the East views the world. The health of the community as a whole determines happiness. Additionally, the core Buddhist doctrine of gaining happiness is the foundation of Gross National Happiness. Buddhism's central tenet is that the world is filled with great suffering, which can be alleviated by following the dharma, or teachings, of the Buddha that led to bliss. Happiness in Buddhism is the culmination of all of our interactions with those around us, as well as our bodily and mental well-being, environmental vitality, standard of living, and a host of other factors.

Lochoe is an annual family ritual and religious ceremony that takes place in Bhutan. It is a time for families to come together and make offerings to their national and regional territorial protector deities. The host family also holds a festive gathering, during which they feed the neighbors and anyone passing by, making it a social event for celebration in the community. In the past, Lochoe was a major undertaking for families. They would start preparing for it at the beginning of the year, raising a pig to be slaughtered for the occasion. Today, vegetarianism is on the rise in Bhutan, and the monastic body prohibits the serving of meat during Lochoe. In places where meat is still served, pig head meat (phangu) is a specialty. A few weeks before the event, the woman of the house makes a variety of foods and drinks, including ara (an alcohol distilled from fermented wheat), seap (pounded maize), zaw (roasted rice), and tsog (biscuits). She also stores butter, which will be used in tea and to light butter lamps. Lama & Monk Performing Lochoe The day before the Lochoe, torma sculptures – made of rice and butter – are created to represent the protector deities that the family worships. These sculptures are placed on the altar, with tsog offerings in front of them. Thousands of butter lamps are also lit. On the day of the Lochoe, a lama and a group of monks come to the host family's house to perform the rituals. Depending on the number of protector deities, the tantric ritual can last from dawn until late in the evening. Mantras are chanted throughout the day to make amends for any wrongdoing, to offer gratitude for blessings, and to request enhanced wealth and longevity. Altar with Torma Offering In the past, meat was a rarity and was served as a specialty during Lochoe. However, as vegetarianism has become more popular, the serving of meat has been discouraged. In its place, other specialties such as ja thup (gnocchi pasta with gravy and minced beef), daisee (sweetened butter rice), droem (sweetened milk with peas), and chugo ma ngo (cottage cheese in heated butter and melted sugar) are served. The day ends with yangchang, a drink made of heated ara with egg, served to everyone in prayers for the continuation of prosperity. Lochoe is an opportunity for the family and community to come together and celebrate the agricultural harvest. It is also a time for religious devotion, as people make offerings and seek blessings from their protector deities. Whether it is the making of torma sculptures, the chanting of mantras, or the sharing of food and drink, Lochoe is a time for Bhutanese families to come together and reaffirm their cultural and spiritual traditions. In conclusion, Lochoe is a unique and important aspect of Bhutanese culture and spirituality. It is a time for families to come together, make offerings to their protector deities, and celebrate the agricultural harvest. It is also an opportunity to reaffirm cultural and spiritual traditions and to connect with the community. Whether you are participating in the rituals or simply enjoying the festive atmosphere, Lochoe is an experience not to be missed.

Dochula Pass Chorten, which stand at an altitude of 3,050 meters above sea level on the East West Road from the new capital Thimphu to the old capital Punakha. There are 108 Chorten or stupas. There is also a Temple straight above called Druk Wangyel Lhakhang, which is beautifully built overlooking the 108 stupas. It is known for its ancient art and architecture. Sunrise on Dochula pass. Courtesy Rinchen tours. The Stupas are called Druk Wangyal Khang Zhang Chortens, it was primarily built by the eldest Queen Mother, Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck to honor Fourth King of Bhutan Jigme Singye Wangchcuk for the victory in 2003. On the other hand, it was also built in memorial to honor the Bhutanese soldiers, who lost their lives, during the battle against Assamese insurgents from India in December 2003. The stupas are built in three circular layers, the first lowest level layer has forty five stupas, the second has thirty six and the top layer has twenty seven, which is built around the main stupas in the top center. On a clear day, the snow clad mountain peaks of the Himalayas are seen prominently, the famous being the Gangkar Puensum (Mt. Masanggang) standing at the elevation 7,158 metres, which is the highest peak in Bhutan. The best month to visit Dochula to see the peak prominently is in the month between October to February. There is also a beautiful short hiking trail to the “Lungchutse temple”, which will take around 2 hours from Dochula, it is also known for retreat center. The temple is more than 400 years old and is taken care by the Central Monk Body of Bhutan, after it was handed over by the Queen Mother, Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck. The trail is famous for Bhutanese Music Videos and few movies. Dochula pass is also famously known as the rhododendron garden, which is part of the 47 km2 Royal Botanical Park. It is a must visit place.

The New Year, commonly known as Lomba, is a significant celebration in the western regions of Paro and Haa in Bhutan. While the exact origins of Lomba are unclear, it is thought to have begun either with the human settlement of the area or with the arrival of Phajo Drugom Zhikpo in the 13th century. Despite the lack of documented history, Lomba has long been a traditional custom in these regions. Lomba typically takes place in late autumn, after the crops have been harvested and before the start of the next farming season. According to the Bhutanese calendar, it occurs on the 29th day of the ninth lunar month and lasts for a minimum of five days in Paro, and often extends until the 15th day of the tenth month in Haa. Lomba marks the end of the previous year and the beginning of the new one, and is a time for families to come together and celebrate the start of a prosperous year. For young people, Lomba provides a festive social setting. Where they spend time with community and their families. Visiting the village temple, making merits, gathering for the rituals, going for picnics, and playing archery tournaments. On the evening of the 29th day of the lunar month, children go from house to house in the village, singing "Lolay, Lolay" and carrying a long stick with a basket attached to one end. When the homeowners come out and put hontey (a local type of dumpling), rice, grains or dried meat in the basket, the children sing a rhyme called lo ley, which expresses the desire for a happy new year. Hontey is a special food that is an integral part of Lomba celebrations in Haa. It is made by combining dry turnip leaves, amaranth seeds (zimtsi), and chili and wrapping the mixture in a steamed dumpling made of buckwheat flour dough, similar to a momo. In Haa, buckwheat and wheat are the main crops, as the area is too high and too cold for rice to grow. Traditionally, hontey was offered to nobles as a sign of respect and goodwill. In Paro, rice and meat are the staple foods, and Lomba celebrations often include a variety of meats such as beef, pork, chicken, and sometimes yak. A special dish called Jomja, made of rice with a butter sauce, is also a must-have during Lomba celebrations in Paro. During Lomba, residents of Paro and Haa perform a short ceremony at home to ward off evil and bring health, happiness, and wealth in the coming year. In some communities, offerings are made to the deities, as it is believed that if the sacrifices are not performed correctly, the deities may become angry and bring harm to the people. The offering therefore has significant spiritual significance. In both Paro and Haa, people also traditionally consider themselves to be a year older after Lomba. As the villages and people in Paro and Haa become more modernized, certain aspects of Lomba celebrations are being left behind. Despite these changes, Lomba remains a significant and long-standing custom in these regions.

What is Nyilo? The shortest day of the year, Nyilo, according to the Bhutanese calendar based on Buddhist astrology, marks the beginning of winter and the beginning of the lengthening of the days until the summer solstice. The Winter Solstice naturally occurs on December 21 or 22, based on astronomy rather than astrology, and is observed on Donghzi in adjacent to China on the astronomical dates. Nyilo is an abbreviation for "the return of the sun." Like other new year's days celebrated around the world, Nyilo is a lucky day when faults and mistakes made in the past can be forgiven and the rewards of good deeds are increased. Everyone is advised against engaging in destructive behavior on this day since it is regarded as sacred. Youths celebrating Nyilo with the 5th Druk Gyelpo. Courtesy: Bhutan Endless Journey. The people of the western Bhutanese regions of Shar and Wang celebrate it as their traditional tradition's equivalent of the new year. There are claims that it existed before Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, who established Bhutan in the early 17th century. How is Nyilo celebrated? On the eve of Nyilo, it is customary for youngsters to visit every household in their community while singing "Lolay"—ancient rhymes that essentially wish the person they are visiting a prosperous or happy new year. Lolay is a celebration that aims to prevent certain supernatural calamities from happening in the area, hence fostering peace and prosperity there for the upcoming year. Lolay arrives one day before Lomba in Paro and Haa, and one day before Nyilo in Wang and Shar. The word "Lolay" literally translates to "prosperous year," but it is also used to describe a particular performance put on by a group of kids and young men the night before the Nyilo and Lomba festivals. The village kids form smaller groups and visit each home while humming Lolay incantations. The youngsters who participate in Lolay Jangni are referred to as Lolay Jangme. Tendrel gi tsul, or sign of auspiciousness, is the name of the gifts that farmers give to children. In exchange, the family's leader gives the performers gifts of rice, meat, and other food items that they can use to make a lavish lunch or go on a picnic the next day. Children are supposed to visit homes in odd numbers since it is believed that even numbers are unlucky. Villagers take a break from their busy farming schedules at Nyilo, where the men compete in archery, degor, and khuru games. More about Lolay Compared to adults, kids play a bigger part in Lolay. Children are frequently thought of as a conduit for good fortune to reach families. When a child is born, she or he not only brings joy to the family but also merit, or sonam. According to a popular belief, even a tiny act of kindness performed on this day will have a greater impact than a large amount of merit acquired at other times. According to a lot of people, Lolay was present in Bhutan long before Zhabdrung was. Based on the fact that a line in the Lolay incantation gives a detailed description of a model Bhutanese farmhouse made of rammed mud that existed in Bhutan before Zhabdrung's arrival in 1616, this was the case. Students singing lolay with the Prime Minister. Courtesy: Bhutan Prime Minister Facebook. Although the tradition of Nyilo was suited for rural areas and farmers, the fading number of people performing Lolay serves as a reminder of a custom that is in danger, especially in urban areas like Thimphu where young people knocking on doors are viewed as a nuisance. Hence, Nyilos are barely celebrated in urban households. Nevertheless, every year, young people pay a visit to the King and Queen of Bhutan and perform the Lolay verses for them. The entire nation's government offices and institutions also close in observance of Nyilo so that people can remember what was once a well-celebrated occasion.

Mother Made Goods is a business established in 2020 and is located at Paga, Chapcha in Chhukha District, which is owned by a young high school graduate called Tshering Om. Initially, she started the business by selling homemade snacks in her locality. Still, her interest shifted to mushroom cultivation after attending the training on mushroom cultivation conducted under the supervision of the Economic Development Officer (EDO) and Jangchubshing Mushroom Farming Institute in Chhukha. Tshering Om is also a member of Entrepreneurs of Chhukha (EoC). In the beginning of this year, with support from Chhukha Dzongkhag Economic Development, she started her own mushroom farm at Paga village in Chhukha District, cultivating Oyster mushrooms. The mushrooms which are grown from her farms are sold under the brand name “Mother Made Goods”. The business also participated in the recent Cottage and Small Industry CSI fair held at Coronation Park during the Bhutan National Day week fair. Many people were seen coming to her stall asking about the different types of mushrooms, which were displayed. Mother Made Goods stall at CSI fair. Currently, there are no staff working with her but she hires temporarily when needed. There is only oyster mushroom that she has cultivated on the farm and she is trying to grow Shiitake mushrooms in straw dust this year. Currently, she has sold her mushroom in six districts and planning to export the mushrooms in 2023. Black Oyster mushroom cultivation. Tshering is going to employ two helpers from January to increase production. She is going to add mushroom cookies, candy, and soup to her brand from January 2023. She is also planning to open “Mushroom café and restaurant” at Paga which is two kilometers from Chunzom towards Phuntsholing highway. It is inspiring to see young Bhutanese starting up these kinds of businesses and giving the opportunity to other people to work together by sharing new knowledge and interest. Such businesses should be supported and encouraged by giving training or seminars, to expand their business internationally.

The fair which was held at the Centenary Park, Thimphu commenced on 10th of December and continued till 17th of December to mark the 115th National Day of Bhutan. The fair consisted of three amazing corners, starting from the De-Suung Skilling Programme, situated on the left from the entrance gate. In the centre was the entertainment ground showcasing various food stalls, and Cottage and Small Industry Fair. At the end it was the  corner with an inflatable bouncy castle along with fun face painting for all age groups. De-Suung Skilling program. In the De-Suung Skilling program, there were around eight booths displaying the products made by the De-Suung. The first booth displayed Bladesmith, second floral designing, pottery, aromatic essences, wood carving, bamboo bicycle, nail spa and a nomad tent, where people could wear the highlanders costume and take pictures. Retail and Entertainment. Cottage and Small Industry (CSI), different stalls were put up displaying the products made from the particular region mainly to promote locally made products, for instance, handicraft, textile, food, and many more. Food stalls were also put up serving varieties of foods from different regions. Live music performances and an open movie theatre were set up to entertain the crowd. The entertainment centre was the most crowded place, as most of the people mainly came there to either watch the latest screened movies or the music performance by the famous young artists. Free health check-ups, Biometric registrations, One stop Business Information were also put up for the convenience of the public. Kids Zone. The last corner was for the kids to enjoy playing in the inflatable bouncy castle and painting their faces with their desired design. Due to the pandemic, people were not able to celebrate such events for the last two years. Finally, at the most awaited event people were seen enjoying every part of the fair, appreciating the expertise of the Bhutanese people. It is a good initiative for the Bhutanese entrepreneurs and cottage industry to continue and advance their businesses. Such events should be organised to encourage the existing and upcoming small businesses.

Bhutan is a small, landlocked country located in the Eastern Himalayas. It is bordered by China to the north and India to the south, east, and west. Bhutan is known for its unique culture, which is heavily influenced by Tibetan Buddhism. The country is also famous for its commitment to environmental conservation and its measurement of Gross National Happiness (GNH) as an alternative to GDP. One of the most interesting aspects of Bhutan's culture is its traditional dress code, which is still followed by most Bhutanese people. Men wear a garment called a gho, which is a knee-length robe tied at the waist by a belt called a kera. Women wear a dress called a kira, which is made of colorful, intricately patterned fabric and is paired with a lightweight jacket called a toego. Both the gho and the kira are worn with socks called kabney and boots called docha. Bhutan is often referred to as the "Land of the Thunder Dragon" due to its frequent thunderstorms and the depiction of the thunder dragon on its national flag. The country is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including the rare snow leopard and the takin, Bhutan's national animal. Bhutan is also home to many sacred Buddhist sites, including the famous Taktshang Monastery, also known as the "Tiger's Nest," which is perched on a cliff face high above the Paro Valley. In addition to its unique culture and natural beauty, Bhutan is also known for its commitment to environmental conservation. The country has pledged to remain carbon neutral and has implemented a number of policies to protect its natural resources. These include the establishment of national parks, the promotion of organic farming, and the ban on the sale of tobacco products. Despite its small size and isolated location, Bhutan has made a big impact on the world stage through its focus on happiness and sustainability. The concept of Gross National Happiness, which measures the well-being of Bhutan's citizens through a combination of economic, social, and environmental indicators, has gained global attention and inspired other countries to adopt similar approaches.

The Bhutanese people are an ethnically diverse population that primarily inhabit the Kingdom of Bhutan in South Asia. Bhutan is a small, landlocked country located in the eastern Himalayas, bordered by China to the north and India to the south, east, and west. The Bhutanese people are predominantly Buddhists and follow a unique form of Mahayana Buddhism known as Vajrayana. The Bhutanese culture is deeply influenced by Tibetan Buddhism and a bit of Hinduism, and the Bhutanese people are known for their strong cultural traditions and rich heritage. The Bhutanese people are a resilient and hardworking people, with a strong sense of community and a deep respect for the natural environment. Agriculture is the mainstay of the Bhutanese economy, and the Bhutanese people are skilled farmers and herders. Bhutan is also home to a thriving tourism industry, which attracts visitors from all over the world to experience the country's unique culture and natural beauty. The Bhutanese people are known for their strong sense of national pride and cultural identity. Bhutan has a rich cultural heritage, with a long history of traditional arts and crafts, including weaving, painting, and sculpture. Bhutanese architecture is also distinctive, with traditional houses featuring intricate woodcarvings and colorful decorations. The Bhutanese people are also known for their love of music and dance, and traditional Bhutanese music and dance performances are a common sight at festivals and celebrations. Despite Bhutan's relatively small size and population, it is a culturally and linguistically diverse country. There are three main language groups in Bhutan: the Ngalop, the Sharchop, and the Lhotshampa. The Ngalop, also known as the Bhutanese, are the largest language group and are concentrated in the western and central regions of Bhutan. The Sharchop, who are concentrated in the eastern region of Bhutan, are the second largest language group. The Lhotshampa are a diverse group of people who migrated to Bhutan from Nepal in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Bhutanese people are deeply religious and follow a unique form of Mahayana Buddhism known as Vajrayana. Vajrayana Buddhism combines elements of Mahayana Buddhism with Tantric practices and rituals. The Bhutanese people are also influenced by Hinduism, and many Bhutanese people follow both Buddhist and Hindu practices. The Bhutanese people are known for their strong devotion to their spiritual beliefs, and religious festivals and celebrations are an important part of Bhutanese culture. Despite the strong cultural traditions of the Bhutanese people, Bhutan is also a rapidly modernizing country. Bhutan has made significant progress in recent years in improving education, healthcare, and infrastructure, and the Bhutanese people are increasingly embracing new technologies and ideas. Bhutan is also a constitutional monarchy, with a democratic system of government, and the Bhutanese people have a strong commitment to democracy and human rights. In conclusion, Bhutanese people are a culturally and linguistically diverse population with a rich heritage and a strong sense of national pride. Bhutan is a rapidly modernizing country, but the Bhutanese people have a deep respect for their cultural traditions and a strong commitment to democracy and human rights.

Here are a few interesting facts about Paro Airport: Paro Airport is one of the highest airports in the world, with an altitude of 7,300 feet above sea level. It is surrounded by high mountain peaks, which makes it challenging for pilots to land at. Paro Airport has a single runway, which is 7,000 feet long and 100 feet wide. It can accommodate small to medium-sized aircraft, and is served by several airlines, including Drukair, the national airline of Bhutan. It is considered one of the most challenging airports in the world to land at, due to its high altitude and mountainous terrain. Pilots need to have special training and certification to operate flights to and from Paro Airport. The Airport is located in the heart of the Paro valley, which is known for its cultural and religious sites, such as the Taktshang Monastery and the Kyichu Lhakhang. It is surrounded by the Himalayan mountain range and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Paro Airport has a small terminal building, which is equipped with basic amenities and facilities for passengers. It has a duty-free shop, a restaurant, and a VIP lounge. Being a major tourist attraction in Bhutan, and it is often visited by tourists as part of their sightseeing tour of the country. Offering a unique and memorable experience for visitors, with its challenging approach and landing procedures and its stunning location and surroundings. The Airport is well-maintained and operated by the Bhutan Civil Aviation Authority, which is responsible for the safety and security of the airport. It is equipped with modern navigation and communication systems, and follows international aviation standards. Paro Airport is an important economic hub for Bhutan, as it is the gateway for foreign tourists and investors. It plays a vital role in the country's economic development and growth. It is the only airport in Bhutan with international flights, and is well connected to major cities in Asia, including Kolkata, Delhi, Dhaka, and Bangkok. The challenging approach and landing procedures, along with its stunning location and surroundings, make it a truly unforgettable experience.

Bhutan's rich cultural aesthetics and traditions are well-known worldwide. This small country differs from other developing countries in a number of ways, including its dress code. To express their distinct identity, the traditional attire for Bhutanese people was initially established by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, who united Bhutan as a nation-state in the 17th century. In an effort to promote and preserve Bhutanese heritage, Bhutanese individuals are required to dress in their traditional outfits. The Driglam Namzha, which loosely translates to "discipline and ethics," also governs how Bhutanese citizens are expected to conduct themselves in public. It creates the standards for appropriate public attire and behavior for formal occasions. This practice has led to a stronger sense of kinship among the locals and a greater connection to the land. People are required to adhere to the national dress code in order to foster a sense of community. In fact, people also wear the national dress in schools, offices, and important events, either as school uniforms or as formal attire. Image source, Wangda Dorje Bhutanese men dress to the knees in a robe-like garment that is wrapped over their bodies and neatly fastened with a woven belt called the "kera" or "kerey." It completes their style by adding an accessory to their overall outfit. It comes in a broad variety of styles, hues, and patterns, is widely accessible in Bhutan, and can be worn by both men and women. The garment for men, referred to as "Gho" in Dzongkha, has a pouch-like space in the upper half that is used to store various items, most recently cell phones. They also wear a white shirt-like piece of clothing underneath the gho called the "Tego." A long silk scarf known as a "Kabney" is often worn by men along with their Ghos. It is typically 90 cm by 300 cm (35 in by 118 in) in size and made up of raw silk. Kabney is worn on important occasions or when visiting a dzong and extends from the left shoulder to the right hip. "Bura" is another name for Kabney, and it means wild silk. These Kabneys have different colors for each individual and are assigned to them based on the rank or position they hold within the country. Every Bhutanese is required to follow this etiquette when meeting higher authorities or at significant national occasions. A yellow scarf is worn by the king of Bhutan. His Kabney is highly distinctive, being the seat of the highest authority in the country. The district administrator dons a red scarf with white stripes, whereas the judge, the highest judicial authority, wears a green Kabney. In Bhutan, the white-colored kabney is reserved for the common people. Bhutanese women are often seen wearing an apron-like garment known as "Kira." This traditional attire is a long dress that reaches the ankles. Traditional kiras are long and must be pinned at both shoulders, generally with silver brooches called "koma." It is then twisted and folded around the body before being secured at the waist with a long belt. However, we can also find modernly alternated kiras that are comparatively shorter (waist to toe length). Typically, a wonju (long-sleeved shirt) is worn inside the kira and a short jacket, or toego, is worn outside. Toegos and wonju differ from the long robe's pattern, fabric, and color. Women in Bhutan also pair their traditional outfit, the rachu, with it. Normally, the left shoulder is where it is worn. Some rachus are used to represent women's occupations, much like kabney. The majority of women do, however, wear ruching in various elaborate designs in red. When visiting temples, attending business meetings, greeting senior authorities, and participating in festivals, people wear rachu to demonstrate their respect. We will also be able to see that on important occasions, both men and women, along with children in Bhutan dress in intricately embroidered vibrant hand-woven outfit. Bhutan has their own unique culture that sets apart it’s place among other nations in the world through a variety of aspects including the clothing culture. The firm ethics and etiquette of Bhutanese disciplinary culture also helps to determine the mannerisms of Bhutanese people at formal and informal settings. Through shared ideals and identities, a deeper sense of unity is developed and Bhutan is definitely able to preserve their identity through both traditional and modernized versions of clothing customs.

Emptiness is a mode of perception, a way of looking at experience. It adds nothing to, and takes nothing away from, the raw data of physical and mental events. You observe events in your mind and senses without considering whether anything is hidden behind them. This mode is called emptiness because it is devoid of the preconceptions we usually add to experience in order to make sense of it: the stories and outlooks we construct to explain who we are and how we live in the world. Although these stories and perspectives have their uses, the Buddha realized that the questions they raise—of our true identity and the reality of the world outside—distract attention from a direct experience of how events influence one another in the present. So they hinder our efforts to comprehend and address the issue of suffering. Assume you're meditating and you experience feelings of rage toward your mother. The mind's immediate reaction is to identify the anger as "my" anger, or to state that "I'm" angry. It then elaborates on the emotion, either by incorporating it into the story of your relationship with your mother or by addressing your general views on when and where anger toward one's mother is justified. According to the Buddha, the problem with all of this is that these stories and viewpoints cause a great deal of suffering. The more you become involved in them, the more you are distracted from seeing the true source of your suffering: the labels "I" and "mine" that set the whole thing in motion. As a result, you can't figure out how to solve that problem and end the suffering. However, if you adopt the emptiness mode—that is, instead of acting on or reacting to the anger, you simply observe it as a series of events in and of themselves—you will notice that the anger is devoid of anything to identify with or possess. As you become more adept at the emptiness mode, you will notice that this truth applies not only to such overt emotions as anger, but also to the most subtle events in the realm of experience. This is the sense in which all things are empty. When you see this, you realize that labels of "I" and "mine" are inappropriate, unnecessary, and cause nothing but stress and pain. You might well simply reject them. When you let them go completely, you discover a profound, more liberating mode of experience. To master the emptiness mode of perception, one must have a strong foundation in virtue, concentration, and discernment. Without this training, the mind continues to create stories and worldviews. And, from that perspective, the teaching of emptiness appears to be just another story or worldview with new ground rules. In terms of the story of your relationship to your mother it seems to be saying that there's really no mother, nor you. In terms of your worldview, it appears to be saying either that the world does not exist or that emptiness is the great undifferentiated ground of being from which we all came and to which we will all return someday. These interpretations not only misinterpret the meaning of emptiness, but they also prevent the mind from entering the proper mode. If the world and the people in the story of your life don't really exist, then all the actions and reactions in that story seem like a mathematics of zeros, and you wonder why there's any point in practicing virtue at all. If, on the other hand, you believe that emptiness is the ground of being to which we will all return, then why train the mind in concentration and discernment if we're all going to get there anyway? When teaching, the Buddha used the word emptiness, but he never used it when speaking in these modes. And even if we require training to return to our natural state, what prevents us from returning to it and suffering all over again? So, in all of these scenarios, the concept of mind training appears futile and pointless. By focusing on whether or not there is something behind experience, they entangle the mind in issues that prevent it from entering the present mode. Now, stories and worldviews do serve a purpose. When teaching, the Buddha used the word emptiness, but he never used it when speaking in these modes.  He told stories from people's lives to demonstrate how suffering stems from the poor perceptions that drive their actions, and how being more perceptive can lead to freedom from suffering. He described the basic principles that underlie the round of rebirth to show how bad intentional actions lead to pain within that round, good ones lead to pleasure, while really skillful actions can rake you beyond the round altogether. All of these teachings were intended to get people to focus on the quality of their perceptions and intentions in the present moment—in other words, to get them into the emptiness mode. Once there, they could apply the emptiness teachings to their intended purpose: loosening all attachments to views, stories, and assumptions, leaving the mind empty of greed, anger, and delusion, and thus empty of suffering and stress. When it comes down to it, it's the emptiness that really matters.