About BHUTAN

Introduction

The Kingdom of Bhutan, with its modest area of 38,394 square kilometers, is a testament to the power of resilience and independence. Situated in South Asia, this tiny nation is sandwiched between China and India, two of the world’s most populous countries, yet it has managed to maintain its sovereignty and distinct identity. Bhutan’s diverse landscape is characterized by towering mountains, with elevations ranging from 100 meters to 7,326 meters, and an impressive 70% of its land under forest cover. This mountainous country is relatively compact, measuring 150 kilometers from north to south and 300 kilometers from east to west. As the world’s last Mahayana Buddhist kingdom, Bhutan is steeped in rich cultural heritage and tradition. In 2008, the country took a significant step towards democracy, with its first parliamentary elections, a gift from His Majesty the fourth Druk Gyalpo, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck. Today, Bhutan’s economy is driven primarily by tourism and hydropower, with a notable GDP growth rate of 5.5% in 2019. As a nation that prioritizes Gross National Happiness, Bhutan has captivated the hearts of travelers worldwide, earning its reputation as the “last Shangri-La”.

NATIONAL FLAG

Divided diagonally from the lower hoist-side corner to the upper fly-side corner; the upper triangle is yellow and the lower triangle is orange, with a white dragon holding four jewels in its claws cantered along the dividing line and facing away from the hoist.

EMBLEM - ROYAL CREST

Druk Khatap or the Royal Crest of Bhutan has two dragons with a thunderbolt in the centre. It is the official seal and the National Emblem of Bhutan.

TREE - CYPRESS

The National Tree of Bhutan is locally known as 'Tsenden. It is also referred to as Bhutan Cypress or Himalayan Cypress.

FLOWER - BLUE POPPY

The National Flower of Bhutan, is known locally as Euitgel Metog Hoem: Its biological name is Meconopsis grandis.

DRESS - KIRA & GHO

The 'Gho is the National Dress for men in Bhutan. National dress for Bhutanese women is Kira.

BIRD - RAVEN

The Raven is Bhutan's National Bird. It represents one of the most powerful deities of the country, Jarog Dongchen. Raven is thus known in the local language as 'Jarog.

ANIMAL - TAKIN

The Takin has been chosen as the National Animal because it is unique, rare and native to Bhutan.It is closely associated to religious history and mythology of the country.

SPORT - ARCHERY

It is a sport played by men; but women do participate in this festival by dancing; accompanying the game and supporting their teams.

FESTIVAL DATES 2024

Festival Name Festival Location Festival Date
Lhamoi Dromche Trongsa Feb 15-17
Punakha Drupchen Punakha Feb 16-18
Punakha Tshechu Punakha Feb 19-21
Tharpaling Thongdrol
Chumi,Bumthang
Feb 24
Tangsibi Mani
Ura,Bumthang
Feb 24-26
Bhutan International Marathon
Annual Event Organised
Mar 5
Gomphukora Trashigang Mar 17-19
Talo Tshechu Talo,Punakha Mar 17-19
Gasa Tshechu Gasa Mar 17-19
Zhemgang Tshechu Zhemgang Mar 17-19
Paro Tshechu Paro Mar 21-25
Chhorten Kora Trashiyangtse Mar 25 & April 8
Rhododendron festival Lampelri Botanical Garden,Dochula April 19-21
Domkhar Tshechu Chumi,Bumthang April 18-20
Ura Yakchoe Ura,Bumthang April 20-24
Nimalung Tshechu Chumi,Bumthang June 14-16
Kurjey Tshechu Choekor,Bumthang June 16
Haa Summer Festival Haa July 14-15
Mushroom festival Genekha, Thimphu Aug 15-16
Masutaki Mushroom festival Ura,Bumthang Aug 23-24
Tour of the Dragon-Bicycle Race Bumthang-Thimphu Sept 5
Thimphu Drupchen Thimphu Sep 8
Paro Dromche Paro Sep 10
Wangdue Tshechu Wangduephodrang Sep 11-13
Thimphu Tshechu Thimphu Sep 12-14
Tamshing Phala Choepa Tamshing,Bumthang Sep 13-15
Gangtey Tshechu Gangtey, Phobjikha Valley Sep 16-18
Thangbi Mani Choekor,Bumthang Sep 17-19
Jhomolhari Mountain Festival Dangochang (Jhomolhari Base Camp) Oct 14-15
Royal Highland festival Oct 23-24
Chukha Tshechu Chukha Oct 10-12
Jakar Tshechu Choekor,Bumthang Oct 10-12
Jambhay Lhakhang Drup Choekor,Bumthang Oct 17-21
Prakhar Duchhoed Chumi,Bumthang Oct 18-20
Dechenphu Tshechu Thimphu Nov 3
Black Neckedl Crane festival Phobjikha Valley Nov 11
Goenpi Dromche Trongsa Nov 6-8
Mongar Tshechu Mongar Nov 9-11
Trashigang Tshechu Trashigang Nov 9-11
Jambhay Lhakhang Singye Cham Bumthang Nov 15
Pemagatshel Tshechu Pema Gatshel Nov 9-11
Nalakhar Tshechu Bumthang Nov 15-17
Druk Wangyel Tshechu Dochula Dec 13
Trongsa Tshechu Trongsa Dec 8-10
Lhuentse Tshechu Lhuentse Dec 8-10
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