National Identities of Bhutan

Introduction

Bhutan is known more as a tiny and remote kingdom located in the Himalayas. Bhutan has two powerful neighbours, India and China. Bhutan is more of an isolated land with a lot to offer in terms of rich cultural heritage, exotic views and picturesque landscape. The land of Bhutan is referred to as the “Land of the Thunder Dragon” by its citizens in their language. Bhutan as a country has a population of over 754,000 and a territory of 38,394 square kilometres (14,824 sq mi).

National Flag

The flag, which has been a part of the country since 1947, was created by Mayum Choying Wangmo Dorji. The flag was then again modified in 1956. The shape that the flag is in is the modified form. And it has been serving the public eye since 1956. The flag of Bhutan is diagonally divided and has a white dragon and the middle of it. The upper part of the flag comes with a golden yellow colour, and the colour represents the king’s secular power. Coming to the lower part of the flag is rather orange, which stands for the symbol of the Buddha’s religion. Then there is the dragon, which is white, representing purity as the basic value in Bhutan. The jewels that the dragon holds in his claws represent the country’s wealth. It is a way of showing both his material possessions and even how the country is just perfect.

National Anthem

 The national anthem of Bhutan was composed in 1966 and has been native to Bhutan ever since. The first stanza of the national anthem can be translated as “Bhutan, which is the kingdom of the dragon, the land of southern sandalwood praises its king to live long and through extensive hard work and rich knowledge. The king should live long.”

The national emblem of Bhutan consists of a circle that has a beautiful diamond thunderbolt placed above a lotus. This structure is surmounted by a jewel and two dragons in the thunderbolt. The symbol stands to represent the harmony between secular power and the power of religion. Which also represents the Buddhist religion in the Vajrayana form. The lotus in the symbol stands for purity, and the Buddhist religion further amplifies this purity in its Vajrayana form. The jewel in the pure lotus symbolises religious power and sovereign power. It is also said that the dragons existing in the picture stand as a symbol for a male and female dragon standing for the name of the country in which they have their great voice and appreciate thunder.

National Day

The National day of Bhutan is celebrated on the 17th of December. This date marks the ascension of Ugyen Wangchuk. 

National Flower

The national flower of Bhutan is the blue poppy which is also referred to as meconopsis Grandis. The flower always grows to the height of 1 m, and it is found in the mountains. George Sharif, who is a British botanist, is responsible for the finding of the flower.

Bhutan has a national tree called the Cypress, also referred to as the Cupressus torolusa. This flower is associated with religious places, and it determines the Bhutanese identity. The flower goes straight and strong in adverse conditions and even in infertile soil, hence representing Bhutan’s ferocious and tenacious spirit as a country and the simplicity of the religion they follow.

National Bird

 The national bird of Bhutan is the raven or Corvus corax. This bird is said to serve the royal crown, and the bird also represents the deity Gonpo Jarodonchen – who is a Mahakala with the raven’s head. This deity is one of the most important deities in Bhutan. He is also referred to as the guardian of Bhutan.

The national animal of Bhutan is the takin of Budorcas Taxicolor. It is a rare mammal that belongs to the ovine-caprine family. They are said to live in flocks in places over 4000 m above sea level. These animals usually eat bamboo, and their weight amounts to as much as 250 kilograms. This national animal is scarce and hence signifies Bhutan’s unique identity.

National Sport

The national sport of Bhutan is archery which consists of a traditional bow and arrow. The Bhutanese people have been so indulged in the national sport that we cannot undermine its importance. The national sport of archery, which happens in Bhutan, always receives proud competition. The entries compete by colour, and people’s excitement for the national sports while wearing the traditional dress of Bhutan is depicted. The people shoot at wooden targets, which are approximately placed 140 m apart. This is long-distance, considering that the Olympics standard for archery is about 50 m. Hence the Bhutanese people go out of their way to appreciate the complexity of their national sport.

Conclusion

Bhutan has always been known as one of the best tourist destinations for exploring the rich cultural heritage in India. So in this part, we have discussed the national identities of Bhutan. Various national identities have been discussed to provide more insight into Bhutan’s culturally rich picturesque land.