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'Visit to Bhutan'
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Bhutan is an ancient kingdom secluded high in the Himalayas with unique customs and people with deeply held beliefs. It is a landlocked country, located between Tibet, China, India. It is believed that the word Bhutan is derived from the Sanskrit word ?Bhotant? which means ?the end of Tibet? or from ?Bhu-uttan? meaning ?high land?. But historically the Bhutanese have referred to their country as Drul Yul, meaning ?the Land of the Thunder Dragon?.Bhutan covers 47,000 square kilometers area and is known as the "Switzerland of Asia". Bhutan is a botanical paradise. One of the ancient names given to Bhutan was 'Southern Valleys of Medicinal Herbs'.There are three main ethnic groups - the Ngalongs in the western and central regions are the descendants of Tibetan immigrants who arrived in Bhutan from the 9th century. The Sharchops who live in the east of the country, are recognized as the original inhabitants of Bhutan. The third group is known as Lhotshampas. They represent the Nepali speaking ethnic group. Others are Indians, Tibetans, Sikkimese, Sherpas.The official language of Bhutan is Dzonghka.The National animal is the Takin, an extremely rare bovid of the ovine-caprine family.The National Bird is the Raven. The National flower is the Blue Poppy.The National sport is Archery. The State religion is Drukpa Kagyupa a branch of Mahayana Buddhism. Bhutan is the only country in the world to have adopted Mahayana Buddhism in its Tantric form as its official religion.Bhutan represents a Constitutional monarchy. The Wangchuk hereditary monarchy has wielded power since 1907. But Bhutan looks set to make the switch to a parliamentary democracy. The king says he will relinquish power in 2008, ushering in democratic elections and the ascendancy of the crown prince, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck to the throne. A draft constitution envisages a two-chamber parliament. I started my journey to Bhutan at Paro airport
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Showing 11 - 14 of 14 images in 3 page(s)
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Pepsi drinking
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| Even at such height modern day culture has reached |
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Fresh Snow on the Mountains
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Man and Cat
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| This is a photograph of a shop in a village near Paro. I found it interesting and humorous as the Bhutanese shopkeeper was looking out of his shop’s window just when a cat was perched on one side of the window. |
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Awaiting Salvation
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| Awaiting Salvation Turning Wheels .Turning a prayer wheel symbolizes "turning the doctrine," referring to the first teachings of the Buddha, when he set the Wheel of the Law in motion, and accumulates virtues for the well being of mankind. There are many types of prayer wheels, although hand-held wheels are the most common. A person using the wheel sets it in motion by turning it in a clockwise direction. Each turn is the equivalent of reading the prayers within. Wheels may also be placed where they can be spun by the wind or water. Of impressive size, such beautifully hand decorated wheels are protected from the weather by a roof and sometimes a protective watchtower-like enclosure. |
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Showing 11 - 14 of 14 images in 3 page(s)
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