National Symbols

National Symbols

A circle projecting a double diamond thunderbolt placed above the lotus is the National Emblem of Bhutan. There are two dragons on the either sides and jewels on all the sides. Lotus represents purity; the thunderbolts harmony between secular and religious power and the jewels signifies sovereign power. The dragons on the either side, a male and a female, represent the name of the country. (Druk means dragon and for the Bhutanese, Bhutan is known as Druk yul or the Land of the Dragon).

National flag

The rectangular national flag is diagonally divided into two parts with a white dragon on the divide. The upper half is yellow and the lower saffron-orange. The upper half signifies the secular power and authority of the king. The lower half represents the practice of religion and power of the Buddhism. The white dragon signifies the name of the country. The jewels in its claws stand for the wealth and perfection of the country. The national flag on Bhutan was created in 1947 by Mayum Choying Wangmo Dorji. It was later modified in 1956 which took the present shape.

National Language

Over 19 languages and dialects spoken all over the country makes Bhutan a multi-lingual society. The language which was used by the people working in the Dzongs is today the national language. The dzongs or the fortress was the seats of temporal and spiritual leaders. Feeling the need to have a common means of communication, Dzongkha was introduced as the national language of Bhutan.

National Anthem of Bhutan

National anthem of Bhutan was first composed in 1953 and became official in 1966. It is known as Druk Tshenden Kepay Gyalkhab Na (In the Dragon Kingdom, where cypress grows).

Original Bhutanese Lyrics

Druk tsendhen
Druk tsendhen koipi gyelkhap na
Lug nyi ki tenpa chongwai gyon
Pel mewang ngadhak rinpo chhe
Ku jurmey tenching chhap tsid phel
Chho Sangye ten pa goong dho phel
Bang dey kyed nyima shar warr sho.

English Translation

The Thunder Dragon Kingdom of Cypress
In the Thunder Dragon Kingdom, where cypresses grow
Refuge of the glorious monastic and civil traditions,
The glorious King of Druk, precious soverign,
His being is eternal, his reign prosperous.
May the teachings of the Blessed one thrive and flourish!
May the sun of peace and happiness shine on the people!

National Day

The national day of Bhutan marks the crowning of Gongsa Ugyen Wangchuck as the first king of Bhutan, in Punakha Dzong on 17 December 1907. He was elected unanimously by the people of Bhutan for restoring peace and order when he was the Trongsa Penlop, Governor of Trongsa.Thus annually 17th December is marked as the National Day of Bhutan.

National Flower

Blue Poppy, The National Flower of Bhutan

Blue Poppy (Meconopsis horridula) found on the rocky mountain terrain above the tree line (3500-4500) is the national flower of Bhutan. It is delicate blue or purple tinged blooms with a white filament. It grows to a height of 1 meter. The flower which is liked with myth of a yeti was discovered by a British Botanist in 1933 in remote part of Sakteng

The National Tree

Big cypresses (Cupressus torulosa) found near religions structures in the temperate zone, between 1800 and 3500 metres altitudeis the National Tree of Bhutan. The national tree of Bhutan, Cypress, is associated with religion. Its ability to survive on rugged terrain is compared to bravery and simplicity.

The national bird

Raven is the national bird of Bhutan. Raven which represents the chief guardian deity of Bhutan Gonpo Jarodongchen (raven headed Mahakala) also ornaments the royal crown.

The national animal

Takin (Budorcas taxicolor)

Takin (budorcas taxicolor) is the national animal of Bhutan. This very rare animal is associated with religious history and mythology. This is the reason for choosing it as the National Animal of Bhutan. Takins have a thick neck and short muscular legs. They live in groups and are found in places 4000 meters high on the north-western and far north eastern parts of the country. They feed on bamboos and weigh about 250 kgs.

National Games

Archery, National Sport of Bhutan

is the most popular games played in Bhutan. It is the national game of Bhutan.Archery is played between two teams wearing traditional dress. Each team shoots sets of arrows at a small wooded target. The members of the team sings and dances each time one player of the team shoots at the target.

Traditional sports like dart (khuru), javelin throw (suksom) are also played. Football, basketball, tennis, volleyball, golf, cricket are some of the sports played today in Bhutan