Editorial
An interview with Sonam Yangchen, the artist behind Rinyang Artisan
This week, we interviewed the very passionate Sonam Yangchen. An artist who paints and handcrafts statement wooden earrings that intricately incorporate Bhutanese textile patterns and designs, under the Rinyang Artisan. Having loved painting since childhood, she is now sharing that love with others through her art. The first painting she ever sold at VAST was a collage art that she
Gho and Kira, the traditionnal dress of Bhutan
There was a time when you could often tell where a person was from by looking at their outfits, but with modernisation, traditional attires are slowly becoming something of the past and people are wearing easier outfits often inspired by trends. In Bhutan however, the traditional dress of Gho for the men and Kira for the women is not something
All you ever wanted to need to know about Mandalas: origin, significance and purposes
The word mandala in Sanskrit refers to a circle believed to represent the universe, its wholeness and the cycle of life. The intricate work of art incorporates geometric patterns, religious symbolism, and layers of meaning that can serve as a prayer, meditation practice, and holy blessing all in one.In Buddhism, mandalas are the ideal form of the universe. The act
The healing benefits of Tibetan singing bowl
A Tibetan singing bowl is a kind of bell that vibrates and produces a rich, deep tone when struck. Also known as singing bowls or Himalayan bowls, Tibetan singing bowls are known to induce relaxation and offer powerful healing properties. They are thought to have originated 2500 years ago in the Himalayas (including Bhutan, Tibet, Nepal, and Northern India). Singing
Shagzo: the art of woodturning in Bhutan
Blessed with an untouched and pristine natural environment, nowhere in the Himalayas is the natural environment as rich and diversified as it is in Bhutan. Bhutan’s high, rugged mountains and deep valleys are home to spectacular natural biodiversity. An essential part of Bhutan’s cultural heritage, the thirteen traditional arts and crafts are closely associated with the natural heritage of the
Sustainable Fashion with Chandrika Tamang
This week, we met with Chandrika Pakhrin, the former banker turned fashion designer who is behind the CDK brand. CDK is a Bhutanese apparel brand that creates contemporary and modern designs using traditional and sustainable Bhutanese textiles. The result is quite unexpected in the most exquisite way and we could not be prouder to have some of her collection. We
Ema Datshi: An Authentic Recipe From Bhutan
Bhutan, the land of the Thunder Dragon, impresses people not only with its spectacular serene scenery but also with its uniquely fiery cuisine. In Bhutan, we may not know who our neighbours are at birth, but we are well aware of what chillies are from an early age and begin experiencing them early on. People in most countries use chilli
Losar, the new year celebrations of Bhutan
Losar is one of the most celebrated festivals in Bhutan. Losar literally means New Year, where “lo” means “year” and “sar” means “new”. It is a time for family reunions, strengthening communal ties, and celebrating cultural traditions with rites and bonds. Losar is celebrated on the first day of the first month of the lunar calendar. The lunar calendar is
5 superfoods of Bhutan you should include in your diet
Bhutan, a country sandwiched between the economic and political powerhouses of China and India, with a population of just over 700,000, is known around the globe for its unconventional and uncommon measure of national development: Gross National Happiness. GNH is a development philosophy propounded by the Fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuck. The concept implies that overall happiness of the people
Textiles of Bhutan, a cultural heritage
Bhutanese textiles represent a rich and complex form of art. The art of weaving, called “Thagzo” is an essential part of Bhutan’s cultural heritage. It is one of the thirteen traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan’s cultural heritage. The textiles show vibrant colours and sophisticated patterns inspired by daily scenes or objects of life. The intricate dyeing and weaving techniques have
A Unique Selection Of Christmas Gifts From Bhutan
The Christmas season is approaching fast. And if you are looking for the perfect gift, the search should not be limited to the usual suspects: a coffee table book about life or decorative mugs with funny sayings. The options get endless if we take a look at faraway lands and exotic cultures. Bhutanese handicrafts are one of such options that
The Phallus of Bhutan and its unique meaning
There is one thing that catches visitors’ attention on their first trip to Bhutan: Phalluses! Phalluses are indeed a very common sight in Bhutan. Painted or carved, colorful phalluses are drawn on the walls of Bhutanese homes. Big ones hang from the eaves of the houses. Small ones hang around the necks of children. Key-chained ones are sold to giggling
6 women-owned Bhutanese brands to shop this year
Gone are the days when women were only recognized for caring for their families and were restricted to their homes. In the past, Bhutanese women were rarely seen doing business upfront because, like many other countries, it was considered a man’s realm. Entrepreneurship in Bhutan was a man’s dominion traditionally with Bhutanese men traveling to Tibet and India to do
Hand Spinning Prayer Wheels: Spinning the Wheels of Dharma
Believed to help people in gaining merit and cleansing their karma, Hand Spinning Prayer wheels are cylindrically shaped wheels with sacred Buddhist scriptures inscribed in the form of mantras, which are to be chanted in a repetitive order. The hand spinning prayer wheels are a common sight in the Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan. On the outside of the wheel, and
What is Puthka Honey and why is it good for health?
A rare elixir made from the stingless bees in the Land of Happiness. The Stingless Bees swarm around the thick and green vegetation, buzzing in rhythm while they store honey in sack-like wax structures. Their particular honey called Puthka honey in Bhutan is more commonly known as Melipona honey (scientific name: Meliponi) or stingless-bee honey in other parts of the
