Having always been politically independent, it has fostered a rich and distinctive culture that has continued uninterrupted for many centuries. Knowing what history has been passed through to this age, it is evident that the most important factor in the molding of Bhutanese character and way of living has been the arrival of Buddhism in the 8th century with visit of Guru Rimpoche. Although the great Indian saint is credited for the popularity of Mahayana Buddhism, recent researches have also shown the possibility of Buddhism having reached Bhutan even earlier.
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According
to Mahayana Buddhist philosophy all forms of lives and existence are inter-twined.
Present life is the result of past karma and the karma you accumulate now determines
your future lives. As such, all ways of living are attuned to Buddhist beliefs,
influencing culture, tradition, moral beliefs and regard for the environment.
As a result Bhutan's unique cultural and traditional values have always been
essential embodiments of the nation's identity.
More now than ever, for a small country sandwiched between two most populated countries of the world, India and China, the preservation and promotion of the nation's distinct cultural identity is seen as a primary ingredient in ensuring continuity of independence and sovereignty. Bhutan recognizes that it was its unique identity that protected and sustained its past independence, and hence, the same philosophy provides the foundation for all current policies.
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Bhutanese
traditional arts and crafts draw upon a long tradition deeply imbued with spiritual
significance. It continues to possess its religious and spiritual significance
and retain relevance in the minds and lives of the people.
Given a much different purpose from other contemporary art,
it symbolizes the philosophy that the mind makes what it perceives and not the
other way round. Therefore it is subjective, symbolic and impersonal. Unlike
many other countries, arts, ceremonies and festivals of Bhutan are not remnants
of a bygone age but a living tradition that continues to have religious and
spiritual significance. .jpg)
The Bhutanese consider commissioning paintings and statues as pious acts, since the deliverance of the philosophy aids in other sentient beings to escape the cycle of existence. There are both religious and secular arts although religion influences both to great degree. Especially in religious art the goal is to re-produce symbolic art precisely as possible to avoid misrepresentation of its values. There fore, the excellency is judged not in innovation but the skill in reproduction following pre-defined precise rules.
In all, there are thirteen categories of art termed Zorig Chusum. These are painting, carpentry, carving - on wood, slate and stone, sculpture, casting, blacksmith, bamboo works, gold and silversmithing, weaving, embroidery, masonry, leather and paper works.
Archery is the national sport of Bhutan and every village has
its own archery range. .jpg)
High-spirited
competitions, usually accompanied by a banquet, are a part of all festive occasions.
Using bamboo bows (although modern compound bows are now common in cities) team
of archers shoots at targets 150 yards or more. Supporters while encouraging
their own side, also try to put off the opposition or distract them with songs
and witty remarks. Archery competitions are fun for both the participants and
spectators. Inter-village competitions are common throughout the Kingdom and
their rivalry is no more fiercely expressed than during annual archery tournaments.
But, any free time and a willing participant is enough excuse for a game, so
it is common sight any place.
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Bhutan
has a very distinct national dress and imparts immediate 
uniqueness
to the Dragon Kingdom's character. Men wear Gho, a long robe similar
to a Japanese kimono tied with a belt and women wear ankle length robe called
Kira. Although machine made fabric is used, handmade textiles are most
favored. Bhutanese women are weavers and spend as much as a year producing the
most intricate pieces. Different regions are recognized for their own unique
styles. In general, they are all masterpieces in cotton, silk, raw silk and
now, synthetic fabric.
Along with the dresses formal occasions require men to wear a scarf called Kabney, the color of which indicates a person's civil service rank and position. Wearing Kabney is an essential part of Bhutanese etiquette. In the same manner women wear Rachu over their left.
Majority of the population of Bhutan still live as they have for centuries - in small isolated farms and hamlets, surrounded by their fields. In the higher altitudes the yak herders live most summers in yak-hair tents following their grazing herds. People are hard working, friendly, content and very close to their families. Unless provoked, they are open, hospitable and dependable people. Custom dictates that simple hospitality be extended to anyone, even to perfect strangers just traveling through.