Religion:

Buddhism is the principal religion of Bhutan and it reflects clearly in all the domains of life there. Utensils and household items have religious symbolism, prayer flags are seen on random hills, roads and trees and prayer beads peek out unobtrusively from under the fashionable dresses of young teens. Religion here is not a separate domain, it’s a way of life that encompasses every other function of life. 

One interesting thing that I observed on my trip to Bhutan is that mostly all the roofs all fly a small white flag. Later, I learnt that these indicated that the owner has made offerings to the local God for appeasement. Each district in Bhutan (known as Dzongkhang) is ruled by a Dzong or a fortress with huge walls that serves as both the administrative and religious hub. These dzongs have chambers of justice, official rooms and coronation chambers apart from a monastery and praying hall. 

Monks of Bhutan:

If you happen to travel to Bhutan, you will be struck by the groups of monks wandering through the towns and city roads carrying on all normal daily activities. Unlike many other cultures, being a monk in Bhutan doesn’t shut one out from enjoying worldly pleasures. I saw many monks in restaurants enjoying hearty meals, most have Facebook profiles and high end smart phones!!!