Bhutan is a kingdom which is rich in culture and traditions and is set in the foothills of Eastern Himalayas . Among the widest expressions of the country’s unique culture, folk music and dances in Bhutan make for an inseparable part. The dance contains our emotion in every move that we send in it.
Apart from that, dance is like a mirror which reflects the richness of a country’s traditional culture. Bhutan Traditional Music and Danceis very much popular in the world. Start exploring our Bhutan tour packages today and plan your adventurous and spiritual journey now.
What is the History of Bhutan Traditional Dance:
It was late in the 8th century when the Cham dance was first originated by Padmasambhava who introduced Tantric Buddhism to Bhutan. Since then, this kind of dance has been developed and is usually performed during the famous festival called “Tshechu”. Apart from this, there is a famous restaurant in Bhutan named “San Maru Restaurant”, you can read more about it and explore the taste of Korea in Bhutan.
We all are aware about how the Bhutan Traditional Music and Dance festival is. Classical music and dance are an important part of Bhutan’s heritage, it reflects the deep spiritual and traditions of this Himalayan kingdom.
Bhutan’s Traditional Music and Dance
- Instruments: Bhutanese music features traditional instruments such as the drangyen (a lute-like instrument), lim (flute), chiwang (two-stringed violin), and other various types of drums.
- Religious Influence: Most of the Bhutanese traditional music has religious significance, which is used in Buddhist rituals and ceremonies. Many a Chants and hymns are essential, which is characterised by their deep tones.
- Folk Music: Apart from religious music, Bhutan also has a rich tradition of folk music that tells stories of love, nature, and daily life.
- Masked Dances (Cham): It is performed by monks and laymen who wear elaborate masks and costumes which is the most different aspect of Bhutanese dance. These dances are deeply symbolic.
- Festivals (Tshechus): Tshechus are annual religious festivals which are held in each and every district of Bhutan, where music and dance are performed. It means community bonding, and invoking deities. The dances are performed in a series of precise movements.
- Folk Dances: As there are many religious dances, there are numerous folk dances which are performed by men and women during non-religious celebrations. These dances are more free-form and festive, often conducted by folk songs.
Types of Traditional Dance of Bhutan
- Joenpa Legso Dance – Welcome Dance in Bhutan- It is usually performed at the beginning of any event or special occasion.
- Drametse Nga Cham Dance – Religious Mask Dance in Bhutan- It is named right after the place where it first originated in Drametse which is a small village in eastern Bhutan. It is held 2 times a year and this dance is the best part of the event.
- Pa Cham Dance- The traditional dance is performed by dancers wearing colourful silk robes and crowns on their heads.
- Zhungdra Dance – It is considered one of the oldest dances in Bhutan as it originated in the early Buddhist saints.
- Boedra Dance – Boedra is another traditional dance in Bhutan that is performed in courtrooms by a group of men and women standing in the circle.
- Tashi Tashi Dance – When Tashi Tashi is performed, it is supposed to be the end of the performance and everyone will be invited to be a part of it.
- Doyab Dance – The genesis of Doyab dance is from a village called Dorokha (Samtse district) and known as one of the oldest dances in Bhutan.
- Yak Cham Dance – Another special dance of different people. The nomads living in the east of Bhutan perform the Yak Chham Dance honouring the local deity – Aum Jomo (Goddess).
Cultural Significance
- Preservation of Heritage: Traditional music and dance are not just any simple art forms but it plays a vital role for preserving Bhutan’s national identity and cultural heritage.
- Spiritual Expression: By following these dance practices, it creates the spiritual expressions and connection as well. These are meant to express spiritual devotion through which blessings are given to performers and the audience.
- Community and Social Bonding: Traditional performances strengthen bonds within communities and across generations. It connects people from different villages to come down together and take part in the festival.
Conclusion
Traditional music and dance in Bhutan are much more than entertainment. They are vibrant, and living aspects of Bhutanese culture that summarise the nation’s history, spiritual connection, connecting with different people.
So, we believe that after reading the traditional dance and music of Bhutan, you too want to experience the same and feel yourself indulge with the local people, then hurry up and look for travel packages today.
