Religion
The Buddhist faith continues to play a fundamental role in the cultural, ethical and sociological development of Bhutan and its people. Annual festivals (tsechus and dromchoes) are spiritual occasions in each district which bring together the population of the district and are dedicated to either Guru Rimpoche or other deities. Bhutan is the only country in the world to retain the Vajrayana form of Mahayana Buddhism as its religion.
The Buddhist faith has played and continues to play a
fundamental role in the cultural, ethical and sociological development of Bhutan
and its people. It permeates all strands of secular life, bringing with it a
reverence for the land and its well being. Throughout Bhutan, stupas and
chortens line the roadside commemorating places where Guru Rinpoche or another
high Lama may have stopped to meditate. Prayer flags dot the hills, fluttering
in the wind. They allow Bhutanese people to maintain constant communication with
the heavens.