People Of Bhutan
The country's population of 600, 000 is composed of
three main ethnic groups. The Sharchopas, who are
considered to be the earliest inhabitants of Bhutan,
live mostly in Eastern Bhutan and they are of
Indo-Mongoloid origin. The Ngalops populate mostly
Western Bhutan migrated from the Tibetan plains and are
the importers of Buddhism to Bhutan. The Lhotsampas who
are of Nepalese origin settled in the southern foothills
of the country in the early twentieth century. This
ethnic diversity of the people has resulted in numerous
dialects and languages that are spoken throughout the
country. Dzongkha is the National language. English is
the medium of instruction in schools and is widely
spoken.
Religion In Bhutan
Bhutan is the last bastion of the Mahayana form of
Buddhism in the world today. It was in the 8th century
AD that Guru Padma Sambhava introduced Buddhism to the
country. Subsequently this was promulgated by various
other religious figures who visited Bhutan. The dominant
sect that came to be established in the country was the
Drukpa Kargyu sect of Mahayana Buddhism, which is now
the official religion of Bhutan.
The Bhutanese are very pious people and religion plays
an important part of their daily lives. Prayer flags
fluttering in the wind, chortens (stupas), monasteries
and twirling prayer wheels are a very common sight.
Religion permeates all strands of secular life and this
has brought about a reverence for the land and its
well-being. Religious festivals known as 'Tsechus' and 'Dromchoes'
symbolizing amity, peace and compassion, are held
annually at various parts of the kingdom at different
times of the year. These colorful festivals are a time
for the people from various walks of life to congregate
dressed in all their finery. The most popular festivals
are Paro Tsechu (March/April), Thimphu Tsechu
(September/October) and in Bumthang (October). During
the festival, rare and sacred masked dances, sword
dances and many rituals are performed.
History Of Bhutan
Till well into the 17th Century, Bhutan was split up
into small independent principalities. After the arrival
of Buddhism, during the seventh century, the various
Buddhist schools began sharing the power in the country
with the old aristocratic families.
The cleric Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel united the
independent principalities into one state. After his
death the theocracy disintegrated and the provincial
lords fought to gain control over the central power.
Only the establishment of the monarchy in 1907 brought
peace again. Today the fourth King of Bhutan is leading
his country into modern times.
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