Modern Bhutanese ’embarrassed’ by phallus art
By Adam Plowright In the insular Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, the phallus is an ancient symbol commonly painted on houses to ward off evil spirits, but it is increasingly rare in the modernising national capital. The demise of this traditional motif, still seen all over in rural areas, points...
Impracticability of using Dzongkha
During the recently concluded parliament session, confusion had arisen regarding a Dzongkha word for ‘institute’. A same word for both University and Institute was used in the new bill introduced to the parliament for establishment of Bhutan Institute of Medical Sciences (BIMS). One of the media surveys last year...
Bhutan invites American tourists
Last year, Bhutan attracted over 41,000 tourists despite opposition from the traditionalists who fear wearing and tearing out of their cultures. And interestingly, the government, which is campaigning to welcome 100,000 tourists a year by 2013, increased the levy from $200 to $250 for some season. Yet, efforts seem...
Coming together on Bhanu Jayanti
When I was preparing my flight to Australia last year, I was compelled to write two news about Bhanu Jayanti observation. In fact, three such events were organised – two by Bhutanese community and one by Nepalese. I was committed, there shouldn’t be any division when it comes to...
Will royal wedding attract tourists in Thimphu?
Bhutanese travel agencies are making efforts to earn more through all possible means. This is core principle of doing business. The latest of their card on show is the royal wedding scheduled for this October. It’s not sure if that really is a piece Westerners love. Yetis & Dragons,...
Alcohol sold and hammered
As expected, the government increased tax on alcohol in the new budget presented to the parliament by finance minister Wangdi Norbu on Monday. A minister had given this hint last week, which indirectly is leakage of the government’s upcoming budget. Traditionally, government budget remains top secret until the time...