Bhutanese brave mountains and monsoon for election

Published on Jun 01, 2013
7:47 AM

Bhutanese men wearing traditional Bhutanese men's outfits, called Gho, wait to cast their vote outside a polling station in Paro on May 31, 2013. Bhutan begins its second ever parliamentary election on Friday, after polling officials trekked for up to seven days to reach voters in the most remote corners of the Himalayan kingdom. -- PHOTO: AFP

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THIMPHU, Bhutan (AFP) - Voters in Bhutan braved heavy rain and treacherous mountain paths to cast their ballots on Friday as the "land of the thunder dragon" began electing a government for only the second time.

Wearing traditional dress and sheltering under umbrellas, Bhutanese queued patiently at polling stations in the isolated Himalayan nation in the first round of voting to determine the lower house of parliament.

The centre-right Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) party, which has governed Bhutan for its first five years of democracy, beat the three other parties contesting with a 45 per cent share of the vote, officials said late Friday.

It will now go through to a final round on July 13 against the second-place People's Democratic Party, and the winners of that vote will form the next government.

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Whose baby

In recent days several media reports have brought up an issue that is not quite on the campaign agenda – abandoned newborns.In one case, some villagers heard the cries just in time to save him.  Two days ago, children playing near a housing colony in Thimphu mistook the head of a newborn to be that of a doll.  It is assumed that strays might have eaten the body.This is not the first time babies have been abandoned and it is definitely not the last.  On the contrary, word about babies being abandoned is heard so often that it is no longer considered news. There is also feedback from readers, who do not want to read about a baby being found in the bin, or by the riverside, or in the drain.Yet the fact is that this is a serious and complex issue with moral and ethical implications  with no easy ready-made solutions.While babies born out of wedlock have been an issue even in traditional Bhutanese society, the social fabric was such that the baby was eventually taken care of, not discarded. Today, contemporary Bhutanese society just does not know how to handle such situations.There are laws in place nowadays to penalise those that resort to such actions, but laws themselves do not solve the problem, apart from sending a message to deter such behaviour.Some even question whether it makes any sense to penalise the mother, for example, who in most cases is a teenager, either in or out of school.It is obvious that social stigma, maybe even poverty, is driving such actions.  But even for the teenage mother, she must be wishing death to commit such an inhuman act. Yet the embarrassment to herself and her family summons the courage.  This is in contradiction to the fairly liberal society that Bhutan likes to see itself as.So what can be done to prevent young teenage mothers going through such a painful experience?Legalising abortions is out of the question, because many believe that goes against the very values and principles Bhutanese society considers itself to be built upon.  This has led some to try the dangerous clinics across the border at a late stage, which has resulted in complications and death in some cases.Perhaps the best way to go about dealing with the situation is greater awareness through sex education in schools and institutions, particularly for the age group on the verge of becoming sexually active.  Some kind of introduction on the subject is happening in schools that is perhaps not enough.There could be other interventions, such as a place where teenagers caught in a situation can seek refuge.  Changing the rules so that a baby without a father can get a census might also help

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His Majesty reviews security situation along southern borders

Jul 21 2012

His Majesty the King was in Gelephu to review the security situation along the southern borders.  His Majesty arrived in Gelephu on the July 14 . On July 15, His Majesty made detailed tours of all areas important to the security of the people. His Majesty visited army camps and the headquarters of Wing IX besides security installations and observation posts in Jigmeling, Bhur, Dekiling and Gawathang areas.

His Majesty also visited the site where an RBA soldier was killed in an ambush, and areas where similar incidents have taken place in the past.

Royal commands were issued on ways to strengthen security and protect the civilians and soldiers on patrol.

His Majesty returned in the late afternoon to Gelephu and granted audience to the Dzongkhag administration staff and the local government officials.

On July 16, His Majesty visited Gelephu Hospital and interacted with medical staff and patients.His Majesty also visited Gelephu town and walked into every shop and commercial outlets. His Majesty interacted with shopkeepers and public.

On July 17, His Majesty granted audience to the troops and officers, visited the family line and met with the spouses separately. On July 18, His Majesty visited Gelephu Higher Secondary School while Her Majesty the Gyaltsuen visited a private day care centre.

His Majesty then traveled to Tsirang and granted audience to dzongkhag administration and gewog officials. His Majesty and the Gyaltsuen also made a walking tour of Damphu town.

In both the dzongkhags census kidu was granted to over 150 families. This has been a regular focus of His Majesty’s Kidu since 2006. In the last five years over 900 census kidus have been granted.

His Majesty the King returned to Thimphu on July 19 after reviewing the progress of retrieval of artifacts in Wangduephogdrang Dzong.

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Royal Couple undergoes Hindu marriage

Oct 17 2011

His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen yesterday visited the Durga Mandhir, located near the Thai Pavilion in Thimphu. The royal couple offered prayers and exchanged garlands as a part of a Hindu marriage.

His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen were greeted by the members of the Hindu Samudaya of Bhutan, its chairman Dasho Meg Raj Gurung and the members. The royal couple then entered the temple in a procession with Naumati Baja which is performed during Hindu marriage. A long queue of excited people greeted the royal couple outside the temple.

Once inside the temple, His Majesty and Her Majesty the Queen lit butter lamps and offered prayers. The royal couple then exchanged flower garlands known as Soyambar mala as part of the Hindu marriage ceremony.

The Hindu Samudaya of Bhutan offered a Ramayana book and the statue of Vishnu and Laxmi to His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen. Hindus believe kings and queens to be the incarnations of Vishnu and Laxmi.

In return, His Majesty donated money for the construction of the new Hindu temple below Kuenselphodrang and for the development of the Hindu Samudaya of Bhutan.

His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen then met with the people who had gathered at the temple to meet them.

The Chairman of the Hindu Samudaya in Bhutan said the royal visit to the temple was of great significance for the Hindu Samudaya of Bhutan and the temple.

“We are deeply touched by His Majesty’s visit to the temple on the happy occasion of royal wedding”

The pundits and hundreds of people who gathered at the temple also offered Tashi Khadhar to the royal couple.

Killed in 1990s

DEATH RECORD

name	age	address im bhutan	cause	date
Man Bdr. Chhetri Di] Bdr. Ghafley Amar Bdr. Bista Bhim Bdr. Ghalley Dhan Raj Gurung Man Bdr. Dariee Man! Biswa Nar Bdr. Subba Kharka Bdr. Rai Deo N. Adh&ari Tek Nath Adhikari Guman Singh Khadga Pem Doqi Tamang Hom Nath Gautam Thukpawaini Lai Bdr. Rai Nad Maya Rai Ran Singh Subba Bir Dhoj Subba Yad Bdr. Karki Dhan BdL Khapangi Ratna Bdr. Sunar Dhan Kumari Kharel Saiii Mongami Phul Maya Sunar Januka Luitel Nar Bdr. Taksari Ganga Baniya Tshering Tamang Dharma Rai Gurung Nar.B. Basnet Punya Prasad Dhakal Satya N. Oraon Karpola Dukpa Bhakta Bdr. Pokhrel Bal Bir Subba Khara Nanda Sharma Tika Ram Subba Tika Ram Dhimal Ran Bdr. Rai Tul Bdr. Gurung Dal Bdr. Rai Sukh Man Subba H.B. Sapkota Tanka Nath Pathak Churamani Khatiwada Gambir Rai Sukbir Tamang Biba Kumari Rai Man Maya Ghalley	18 19 27 23 31 22 23 16 19 39 22 47 36 52 50 49 30 20 28 21 28 32 20 25 20 16 60 58 26 56 28 27 40 29 57 37 58 17 56 - - - - 45 22 43 26 40 19 36	Samchi Chengrnmi Chengmarl Nainital Samchi Kalikhola Sarbhang Bhangtar S/iongkar Bhangtar S/Jongkar Chengmari Samchi Samchi Lamidara C@ Lamidara Chirang Lamidara Chirang Lamidara Emiray Dagana Kalikhola Sarbhang Emiray Dagana Patalay Chirang Pattalay Chirang Pattalay ChimV Gayleyphug Naya Busty Dhanabari Sa@ Chirangdara Chirang Tshokana Chirang Tshokana Chirang Norbuling Sarbhang Gaylegphug Surey Sarbhang Bokray Chirang Dagapela Dagana Samchi Dagapela Dagana Chengmari Samchi Mar-sala S/Jongkar Dalim S/Jongkar Gulanti S/Jongkar Lalai Sarbhang Bakuli S/Jongkar Lalai Sarbhang Yaba Samchi Yaba Samchi Yaba Samchi Yaba Samchi Gaylegphug Harpeni Chirang Lamidara Chirang Lharani Samchi Chanauty Chirang Biru Samchi Betini Chirang	Torture Bullet Bullet Bullet Bullet Bullet Bullet Bullet Bullet Bullet Bullet Bullet Bullet Torture Rape Torture Rape Torture Torture Bullet Torture Torture Rape Rape Rape Rape Torture Torture Tortu Torture Bullet Torture Torture Torture Torture Torture Torture Torture Torture Torture Torture Torture Torture Torture Bullet Torture Torture Bullet Rape Rape	3 Nov 1989 20 Sept 1990 21 Sept 1990 21 Sept 1990 21 Sept 1990 24 Oct 1990 24 Oct 1990 25 Oct 1990 27 Oct 1990 28 Oct 1990 28 Oct 1990 28 Oct 1990 28 Oct 1990 8 Dec 1990 17 Dec 1990 22 Dec 1990 19 Jan 1991 24 Jan 1991 15 Feb 1991 12 Mar 1991 23 Mar 1991 23 Mar 1991 6 Apr 1991 6 Apr 1991 6 Apr 1991 6 Apr 1991 25 Apr 1991 4 May 1991 16 Jun 1991 17 Jun 1991 28 Jun 1991 3 Aug 1991 12 Aug 1991 18 Aug 1991 18 Aug 1991 23 Aug 1991 1 Oct 1991 30 Oct 1991 15 Nov 1991 18 Dec 1991 19 Dec 1991 19 Dec 1991 27 Dec 1991 2 Jan 1992 17 Jan 1992 8 Feb 1992 12 Feb 1992 17 Feb 1992 Feb 1992 -

Bhutan's "Little Switzerland," the pastoral life

 不丹“小瑞士”的田园生活 

— 神游“云中之国”不丹系列（九）

   “节日里，大家必须穿戴上不丹的传统服饰，如果有人不遵守，村子里的族长见到了会惩罚他的。”正说着，扎西一眼看到一位没有穿“帼” (Gho)─连身及膝短袍的村民，立刻笑着拦住他，提醒他会挨罚的，对方露出不好意思的神情。不丹人对于自己传统的保护与尊重是我走过这么多国家中见到最强烈的，毕竟小国要生存下去，必须顽强地守护着自己的宗教文化与民族特性。

  

   布姆塘在不丹语中意思是“美丽的田园”，果不其然，地处群山环抱之间，有Chumey、Choeker、Tang及Ura四个谷地，梯田环绕，村镇别致，层叠的森林中间，间或有整齐的屋顶出没，赏心悦目，春天那些不同层次的绿，犹如一首协奏曲，民风更是淳朴，每家每户耕种纺织，自给自足，看上去犹如瑞士山区的喜马拉雅版本。

  

   清晨，我走进村子，炊烟已经升起，“今天是节日，村民们一定会举行些活动的。”扎西说着，果然，一户人家的女主人正在忙碌准备过节的食品，那是一种面食，放在油中煎炸，捞起后有点像我们的薄脆排叉，先作为贡品，之后大家可以一起享用。连续三天，村庄要进行各种法式和庆祝活动。 

  不丹乡村的房屋多为两层小楼，据说当老百姓向国王申请土地建房子的时候，不但能得到一大块地，还有八十棵树作为建筑材料附送，所以这里的房屋使用很多木材。最大的房间通常献给佛祖，有钱人家的标志就是一间宽敞的佛堂。此刻，佛堂里一位当地活佛正在诵经，看到有外国客人，他们立刻端上一杯类似米酒一样的饮料，这也是在节日里喝的，出于礼貌，我尝了一口。房间里诵经的都是男人，而女人们则站在屋外开始唱歌，听不懂内容，估计是祝福祈愿之类的。这时一个提着饭桶和酥油茶的人进来，首先给活佛盛饭，就座的每个人都用手抓着吃，在大家盛情邀请下，我也干脆一屁股坐在了地上，能够这样走近普通不丹人的生活，对于旅行者，是一种幸福。 

 

  

 (猫猫手端米酒，坐在不丹人中间)

   扎西又带着我来到了村子里一户比较殷实的人家，走进这处宽敞的院子，一条可爱的小狗一直围在我脚边，抬头，便看到门上方挂着的一串蛋壳和木质阳具，不用说，这种习俗正如中国人的门口挂着照妖镜和八卦镜，驱邪避凶。男主人迎了上来，他叫多吉，文质彬彬，可以讲一口流利的英文，这家只有四口人，妻子早早地去参加节日的准备活动了，家中只有多吉的岳母和儿子，据说他的岳父在附近一个村子当活佛（听起来像一份职业）。

  

  

  不丹的农家生活还是很简朴的，就算是大户，也不过是佛堂面积大点而已，用品摆设什么的看起来和我们国家七八十年代的水平差不多。女主人特地带着我来到隔壁她的娘家，七八口人都在家，大家围着我又端出了米酒，只是这样喝下去，今天恐怕什么都干不成了，虽然言语不通，但他们那种发自内心质朴的热情让我觉得宾至如归，必须说，不丹人就有本事让你深深为他们的好客和开放而感动。

  

   和热情的村民们道别，快走到山下的时候，多吉又从后面追赶了上来，和扎西说了几句，原来他特意从自家地里摘了些新鲜的芦笋，让我们带回酒店晚上炒着吃，那天晚上是我在不丹吃过的最香的一顿饭了。

   还记得初到不丹时的那种新奇和陌生感，很快被这里人们友善的、发自内心的笑容消弭得无影无踪。不知道是否是高山民族特有的，不丹人有种神奇的冷静和不亢不卑，无论你的肤色或者长相，是不是外国人，对不丹人来说，没有分别。他们既不把你看成有钱的外国人，也不把你当做可疑的外来人——事实上，他们很自然地视你为他们中的一员，这恐怕是我对不丹印象非常好的一个重要原因。

   写下这些的时候，不由想起前些日子，看到微博上不少朋友愤愤讲述在西藏青海等地遇到的宰客经历，这已经成为了中国许多景区的毒瘤，污染美景，然而在喜马拉雅山的那一侧，却有着天壤之别，不丹人的那种淳朴热情我们也曾经有过，不过是在二十年前了。其实，到一个地方旅行，最打动你的除了风景，还有人，真正的旅游名片不是修建些豪华旅游设施，而是当地的民风是否淳朴健康。

布姆塘乡村生活组图

  

 
  

  

 

    

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