Religious music and dance
As Bhutan is predominantly Buddhist (Buddhism is the state religion), the country's sacred music is full of its teachings and rituals. Usually sung and an integral part of ceremonies, it is made up of suutra recitations, psalmodies and throat singing, all accompanied by instrumental punctuation. Learning music is part of the teaching of pure vision. In the famous Buddhist triad "body-speak-mind", music is assimilated to speech. Among the instruments used in sacred recitations, songs and dances are conches, trumpets, drums, oboes, cymbals and bells, each instrument having a symbolic role that determines its use.
One of the most illustrious names in Bhutanese religious music currently resides in France: Lama Gyourmé. A religious master and musician born in Bhutan in 1948, he has been living in France since 1974 where he performs Buddhist religious songs on stage from time to time, accompanied by Jean-François Rykiel (the seamstress's son).
Also, it is impossible to avoid the traditional sacred dances, the Cham, performed during the great festivals that contribute to the fame of Bhutan: the famous tshechu. Terrifying masks and bewitching choreographies symbolize the destruction of evil spirits. A colourful show not to be missed! And if all the great festivities of the country - Punakha Domchoe, Jambay Lhakhang Drup, Kurjey Tshechu or Thimphu Tshechu - offer a magnificent version, the most popular remains the Paro Tshechu, an unforgettable five-day celebration in March.Secular music
Although of primary importance, religious music does not have a monopoly on the expression of Bhutanese folklore. Far from it. That said, even secular, traditional music often has a religious background. This is the case of zungdra or boedra, the two main styles of traditional Bhutanese songs and dances. The first, which appeared in the seventeenth century, is endemic and has a reputation for being difficult to sing. Even experienced voices are often put off by its complexity. The second, the boedra is derived from Tibetan court music and is generally sung in a circle (much more easily than the zhungdra). Zungdra and boedra are also danced together and their instrumental part includes the chiwang (a violin), the dramyin (a lute) and the lingm (a flute). Almost as common are Zhey and Zhem, purely vocal songs with elaborate choreography, often performed during tsheshu; tsangmo, a literary genre sung in verse (but not danced); and lozey, quite similar to tsangmo, but constructed in the form of question-and-answer exchanges. The themes of the songs generally revolve around traditions, costumes, customs and literature. More modern, let's also mention rigsar
, a genre that emerged from the 1980s, the result of a mix of Hindi, Western and Tibetan melodies played with electronic instruments. It should be noted that some restaurants and hotels organize traditional shows. This is notably the case of the Taj Tashi in Timphu, every evening at 6 pm.
