Traditional Day of Offering: January 16

Traditional Day of Offering is a public holiday in Bhutan.

The Traditional Day of Offering is a time of thanks and offerings for the Bhutanese people, typically directed towards Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the famous unifier of kingdom and culture in Bhutan during the early seventeenth century. The day is locally known as buelwa phuewi nyim.

History of Traditional Day of Offering in Bhutan

Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal was born of Tibetan descent and was a part of the bloodline of Drogon Tsangpa Gyare, the originator of the Drukpa Lineage. Ngawang Namgyal was at first recognized as the heir apparent to the throne. However, deep-seated opposition parties sought to put another in the seat of the throne. After years of disagreement and treachery, Ngawang Namgyal fled Tibet, moving to Bhutan.

He founded the Buddhist Chagri Dorjeden Monastery in 1620 in the Thimphu Valley, and after three years of isolation and reflection, he set out to create the Drukpa Kagyu monastic order in Bhutan. From his Simtokha Dzong, he began the process of unifying Bhutan’s fractured and rivalrous fiefdoms. By the conclusion of 1634’s Battle of Five Lamas, Ngawang Namgyal had brought true unification to Bhutan.

Visitors and citizens alike found the man to be literate, compassionate, and considerate. His popularity rose with the creation of the unique dual government consisting of a spiritual leader looking over religious matters and a separate secularized administrative leader to handle governmental matters. This form of government still remains in a similar fashion.

It is said that Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal’s death in 1651 was not reported to the people for many years, hidden by stories that he was running the country in seclusion. His body is now guarded in the sacred Pungtang Dechen Photrang Dzong, and his work towards a better Bhutan is celebrated every year on the Traditional Day of Offering.

Bhutan’s Traditional Day of Offering Traditions, Customs and Activities

Government offices and institutions are closed on the Traditional Day of Offering.

The people wear their finest clothes. Traditional gho, a type of long robe with belt, are worn by men while women wear the traditional kira, a brightly covered woven dress. It’s very common to find Bhutanese participating in the country’s national sport of archery. Contests are frequently organized and often include government officials. Other sports like digor (a game of flat spherical stones that are thrown), darts, and dice are also played. The people often enjoy picnics or large feasts at home in celebration.

Donations and offerings are typically made to the Dratshang, one of many monastic institutes that exist in the country. Many associate these offerings with the love and loyalty felt towards Ngawang Namgyal.

Other interesting posts:

• Bhutan Honors the Shabdrung on Shabdrung Kuchoey
• The King’s Birthday Is Celebrated in Bhutan
• Coronation Day of the Fourth King Celebrated in Bhutan

Shabdrung Kuchoey Date: November 27

Shabdrung Kuchoey is a public holiday in Bhutan.

Shabdrung Kuchoey marks the death anniversary of the Shabdrung in 1651, on the 10th day of the 4th month of the lunar calendar. The Shabdrung is the most important tulku lineage in Bhutan, similar to the Dalai Lama lineage of Tibet. The lineage passes through the founder of the country, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, born in 1594. He was a high Drukpa Kagyu lama who was the unifier of Bhutan as a nation state. In Bhutan the Shabdrung is revered as the third most important personality behind Guru Rinpoche and the Buddha.

History of Shabdrung Kuchoey

In addition to unifying Bhutan from fighting rival territories, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal also tried to create a distinct Bhutanese cultural identity from the Tibetan culture from which it was derived. The Shabdrung ruled the country from the Buddhist monastery Pungtang Dechen Photrang Dzong at Punakha until his death in 1651. His advisors hid the news of his death for 54 years to avoid political turmoil. During this time they said that the Shabdrung was ruling Bhutan while in seclusion, and at first, the people believed the explanation because the Shabdrung was known for his extended silent retreats.

The Shabdrung’s body lies preserved in a sacred inner chamber in Pungtang Dechen Photrang Dzong where it has been under perpetual watch since his death. The task of watching over him is one of the most sacred duties in the kingdom of Bhutan, carried out by two high lamas. Not even the king is allowed in the inner chamber.

Shabdrung Kuchoey Traditions, Customs and Activities

This is a day for religious Buddhist deremonies. All dzongs—fortress-like monasteries established throughout Bhutan by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal—conduct funeral ceremonies for Rinpoche Shabdrung, meaning “The Precious One Shabdrung” in English. Believers take long walks from their houses to monasteries to pay homage to the Shabdrung with prayers and flowers. Everyone in Bhutan takes this day of observance seriously and is a non-work day in Bhutan. Some of the elder people have regrets that the tradition isn’t passed on more fervently to new generations as it is losing some importance in Bhutan.

Other interesting posts:

• Bhutan Celebrates Traditional Day of Offering
• The King’s Birthday Is Celebrated in Bhutan
• Bhutan Third King’s Death

Descent of Buddha from Heaven: November 9

Bhutan Observes Descent of Buddha from Heaven as a public holiday.

Every year on the twenty-second day of the ninth month of the Tibetan Calendar, Bhutan celebrates the Descent of Buddha from Heaven.

Bhutan Descent of Buddha from Heaven History

On his fourty-first year, the Buddha defeated all opponents when he participated in a great debate at Shravasti, by manifesting miracles. According to Buddhist beliefs, Buddha vanished in order to avoid being offered gifts and being treated as a god. Buddha then reappeared in heaven in the dominion of 33 gods. There he taught a company of heavenly beings that included his mother. After three months, one of the Great Disciples begged Buddha to return to earth.

Buddha agreed to return in a week’s time. On the seventh day, Indra and Brahma made the triple staircase for Buddhas return to earth. He descended the central flight of steps at the appointed time, with Indra and Brahma on both sides as they were received by crowds that gathered at the base of the stairs. Buddhist legends says that the triple staircase used by Buddha, Brahma and Indra slowly vanished. The only part that remained was the part enclosed by Emperor Ashoka’s temple. Even that disappeared as time passed.

Bhutan Descent of Buddha from Heaven Traditions, Customs and Activities

To Buddhists the following events like holidays, eclipses, equinoxes and solstices, are to be considered moments of auspicious relationships. Any activities during those holy days are believed to have an effect on one’s karma than on any other day. These days are recommended by Tibetans and Buddhists for spiritual practices only. They believe that the results of these holy days increase countless times over for the good of all.

Other interesting posts:

• Buddha’s First Sermon
• Bhutan Honors the Shabdrung on Shabdrung Kuchoey
• Bhutan Third King’s Death

Buddha’s First Sermon Date: July 26

Buddha’s First Sermon is a public holiday in Bhutan.

The full moon in the Gregorian calendar month of July marks Buddha’s first sermon. The day, also known as Chokhor Duchen or Dharma Day is when Buddha taught the four noble truths.

Buddha’s First Sermon History

Chokhor mean prayer wheels. These wheels are either big or small and usually held in their hands by the pilgrims. The first sermon of Buddha is known as Dhammacakkappavattanasutta and means the sutra of setting the wheels of Dharma in Motion.

Buddha’s First Sermon Traditions and Activities

On this day, Buddhists, undertake pilgrimages to various holy places and shrines and offer incense and prayer flags.

In other countries, Buddha’s First Sermon is called:

• Dharnma Day
• Asalha Puja Day

Birthday of Guru Rinpoche Date: July 2

The Birthday of Guru Rinpoche is a public holiday in Bhutan.

The kingdom of Bhutan is fondly known as the “land of thunder dragons” to their citizens. Buddhism is supposed to have been brought to Bhutan by the “Padmasambhava” or the “Lotus Born”. This is a different form of Buddhism with a tantric side to it. In Tibet and Bhutan, the Padmasambhava is referred to as Guru Rinpoche (“Precious Master”) or Lopon Rinpoche. His birthday is celebrated with great joy in Bhutan.

History of The Birthday of Guru Rinpoche in Bhutan

Tibet was expanding during 640 to 842 CE during which it absorbed the state of Zhang-Zhang, Nepal, China, and other territories around it. At the end of this time, in Bhutan, the famous “Tiger’s Nest” monastery was being built on a sheer cliff wall about 500 meters above the floor of Paro valley.

Legend says that the local demons did not like the spread of Buddhism in to their land and they showed their wrath at night by destroying everything that would have been created during the day. The king, who became very sad, asked the Indian monastic. The monastic asked the good king to bring in the tantric mahasiddha called Padmasambhava from India to tame the local demons and get them bound to the Buddhist-dharma. Legend has it that the he flew there from Tibet on the back of a flying tigress for the purpose of the trip.

The Padmasambhava traveled through Tibet during which he performed his duty of subduing demons and the local Gods. Padmasambhava had five female companions who were called the “Five Wisdom Dakinis” or “Five Consorts”. They had access to the master’s heart and practiced secret sexual rites which tamed the previous demons of Tibet and converted them into protectors of the country.

Bhutan’s Birthday of Guru Rinpoche Traditions, Customs and Activities

Monks and other citizens of Bhutan celebrate Guru Rinpoche’s birthday with traditionally decorated hand-carried effigies of the Guru and participate in associated religious ceremonies. The holiday is taken seriously by most citizens, celebrating Guru Rinpoche’s contributions to peace.

Other interesting posts:

• The King’s Birthday Is Celebrated in Bhutan
• Bhutan Honors the Shabdrung on Shabdrung Kuchoey
• Birthday of Guru Har Rai is a Sikh religious observance

Coronation Day: June 2

Coronation Day is a national holiday in Bhutan.

Every year on June 2, the South Asian, Buddhist nation of Bhutan celebrates the coronation of its fourth king, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, who was king from 1974 until 2006. People remember him for the vital reforms he brought to the country during his reign.

History of Coronation Day in Bhutan

Jigme Singye Wangchuck was born on November 11, 1955. He was made king at the age of 17 due to the sudden demise of his father, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. He was the youngest ever monarch at the age of 18 and was crowned on the 2nd of June 1974. The coronation ceremony was attended by several dignitaries from different countries, bringing an end to the long isolation of the landlocked nation from the rest of the world.

Educated in Bhutan and the United Kingdom, the fourth king’s rule was relatively orthodox and was based on many Buddhist principles, enforcing the use of traditional clothing by the Bhutanese. He continued his late father’s policy of slow modernization, eventually lifting the ban on television and internet. Bhutan was one of the last countries to have adopted the use of television in some fashion.

While he recognized that modernization was necessary, he preached responsibility for keeping the balance between culture, tradition, spirituality, and economy. In 2003, he preached the concept under the name of Gross National Happiness (GNH).

In the year 2005, the king informed the people of his decision to abdicate the throne. The throne was to be left to his eldest son, and parliamentary elections were conducted in the year 2008. Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck was officially crowned fifth king of Bhutan on November 6, 2008.

Bhutan’s Coronation Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

The fourth king is seen as someone who brought about major reforms to the country. He made sure that the country was modernized while at the same time keeping the culture and tradition intact. Coronation Day is a national holiday, and the people of Bhutan celebrate this day with much fervor. It is the day which brought them a king who changed their lives. The celebrations are very colorful, and people from all walks of life participate in it. So if you are planning to visit Bhutan, plan your holiday around this time of the year so that you can participate in the celebrations.

Other interesting posts:

• The King’s Birthday Is Celebrated in Bhutan
• Bhutan Third King’s Death
• Thailand Celebrates Coronation Day of King