People and Culture

People:

A place is only as beautiful as its people, and Bhutanese are known to be humble, kindhearted and very hospitable. In contrast to other parts of the world, the usage of ‘I’ in all of the languages in Bhutan is minimal, clearly indicating the strong values where a community is always considered more important than oneself. It is also a place where hospitality and servitude is always downplayed by the modest host.

Bhutan’s population was estimated at 708,427 in 2011 and can be divided into three broad ethnic categories – Ngalops, Sharchops, and Lhotsampas.

The Sharchops make up the majority of the population and live in the east. They are considered to be the aboriginal peoples of Bhutan. The Ngalops are thought to be of Tibetan origin and live in the western and central areas. Most Ngalops follow the Drukpa Kagyupa discipline of Mahayana Buddhism while most Sharchops follow the Ningmapa discipline of Buddhism. The Ngalops, Sharchops, and the indigenous tribal people are collectively known as Drukpas.

The Lhotsampas are people of Nepali descent, and live in the southern foothills. They speak a variety of Nepali dialects and are predominantly Hindu.

Bhutan is majorly an agrarian society with 80% of the population making their livelihood through farming and livestock rearing.

Culture:

Bhutanese have always prided in the rich culture and tradition, and have ferociously safeguarded it. The few who know Bhutan, knows it for the rich culture and tradition. The unique culture further cements the sovereign status of the country.

Here is a country devoted to religion and practices the Buddhist way of life. Bhutanese follow the age old code of conduct known as Driglam Namzha. The Bhutanese dress, Gho for men and Kira for women, is one of the many distinct features which has helped create a unique identity.

Tantric form of Mahayana Buddhism is the national religion. It is here, where you see Phallic symbols with sprout of semen adorned on the walls of houses, where you get fertility blessings from a phallus, where mystical paintings decorate the inner and outer walls of monasteries and Dzongs (Fortresses).