The People

The people of Bhutan are friendly, simple, hard working and open. They are peace lovers and have a lively sense of humor. Bhutan’s people fall into three broad groups- The sharchops believed to have been the original residents of the country and live largely in the eastern regions. The naglops are the descendants of Tibetan immigrants who came to Bhutan in the 9th century and settling mainly in the west. The third for most section of population are the Nepalese, who began to settle in the south towards the end of the last century. The people of Bhutan being mainly Buddhist practice the Drukpa Kagyupa sect of Mahayana Buddhism. As the people are god fearing and spiritual minded thus religion plays a very important role in the lives of the Bhutanese people. Almost every Bhutanese home has an altar where daily spiritual observances are carried out by the family members. Monks are held in high respects thus plays an active part in community life and in the government. Over three-fourth of the population of Bhutan leads an agrarian life style. Though they are aware of the changing trends but being peace loving people so they do not get carried away so fast with the fast life that marks the modernity. The Bhutanese society is free in nature and every citizen of the country wear the unique national dress that is finely woven from multi-colored, vibrant hued wool, cotton or silk. The men’s attire is known as the “Gho” and the one that the woman wears is called the “Kira”. Mostly ladies use jewellery to enhance their looks during special occasions and the jewellery is of pearls, corals turquoise and agate set in fine crafted gold and silver. The Bhutanese diet is rich in meat, cereals particularly rice, vegetables and herbs. The Bhutanese diet is very rich in meat, cereals mostly rice, vegetables and herbs. The other mostly preferred meat dishes are pork and beef which are lavishly spiced up with chillies, and it is common to see the bright red peppers dried out on the roof s of every Bhutanese house. Salted butter tea which is popularly known as the “Suja” is served on all occasions. Local people make beverages and are called Chang (local beer) and Arra (a spirit distilled from rice, maize, wheat and barley) which are preferred by the Bhutanese people. “Doma” or the betel nut is offered as a sign of friendliness and as a customary greeting. Archery is the Bhutan’s National game and is played all year round with traditional bows and arrows. Imported bows and arrows are now getting popular specially in the urban areas. Archery is widely played in Bhutan during occasions too! In Bhutan, the ancient music and dances of different regions have been devotedly preserved. The quiet, grace of the folk dances and the drama of the lively, colorful mask dances will always remain as one of the visitor’s most bright memories experienced in Bhutan.