Bhutan

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I lost a day of touring due to illness but am finally back. Punakha is the winter retreat for Bhutan's king because of the lower altitude and moderate temperature. We are visiting at an ideal time as just once a year there are pilgrimages to the majestic Punakha Dzong (Palace of Great Happiness) which serves as a monastery and Bhutan's religious administrative headquarters. 15 days prior to the celebration that draws 100,000 worshipers, they prepare with 24 hour days of round the clock meditation and dancing (costumed dancers sweep demons and evil spirits into small fires). We were allowed to enter the worship center and observe from a balcony. Monks and the Chief Abbot sit on the inside floor in lotus position, all day and night for 15 days. They have breaks for meals and some rest but it still amounts to about 17 hours in public worship each day. Many of the younger monks (teens) were nodding off as they sat. The Chief Abbot forgives them, for he understands how difficult it is. Outside in the courtyard dancers from nearby villages were practicing for the celebration portion. The local firemen were cleaning the courtyard with their fire hoses. This impressive dzong was built in 1637.

To get here we traveled on the narrow mountainous road, all switch-back, very few flimsy guardrails and the drop was straight down. I saw little of the scenery due to trying to stay away from altitude & motion sickness. Picture cows, sheep, goats, yaks & sometimes old stationary stupas in the middle of the road. A constant stream of trucks and pedestrians on the one-lane, often dirt road.

Observations: Cows and other beasts are not sacred like in India but still enjoy free roam during the day. Somehow they know to return home at the end of the day. They are everywhere and look healthy.

Bhutan is building the largest Buddha in Bhutan and perhaps the 2nd largest in world (pictured).

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Photos

Takin
Bhutan's national animal. The head of a horse & body of a small cow.

Disciplinary Team
A Disciplinary Team of monks with whips slapping the floor as they round up the young monks for prayers. It is not just symbolic, they use them when needed.

Dochula Pass -- 10,000 ft.
Bhutan's northern Himalayan border. Penjor, our guide, is on right with friends at the scenic pass.

Monks entering for prayers.
Monks sit on floor during long periods of worship that includes drumming, chimes & horns. We watched from the 2nd floor gallery but no pictures allowed.

Colorful elderly women
When not at school or work, some teens wore western clothes.

King's family.
Father passed reign to son while in his 50's. Father married 4 sisters on the SAME day. Current king(33) is to our left of king. Law changed to monogamy.

Comments

[Sandi L]

A real breakfast treat before pool, imagining all you are experiencing. Were you sick from food? Cold and snowy here, no camels.

[Mary Grigware]

Friday 2/15/13
I can't believe you are so far away, yet so close with the pictures. I am absolutely fascinated. Keep me on your blog.

[Diane]

Wonderful!
Oh--i'm so jealous, and wish I were with you!

[Brian]

wow
Great pictures.