Religious music and dance
Bhutan being predominantly Buddhist (Buddhism is the state religion), the country's sacred music is steeped in its teachings and rituals. Generally sung and an integral part of ceremonies, it consists of suutra recitations, psalmody and throat singing, all accompanied by instrumental punctuation. Learning music is part of the teaching of pure vision. In the famous Buddhist triad of "body-speech-mind", music is equated with speech. Conches, trumpets, drums, oboes, cymbals and bells are among the instruments used in sacred recitations, chants and dances, each with 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 lived in France since 1974, where he occasionally performs Buddhist religious songs on stage, accompanied by Jean-François Rykiel (the couturier's son).
And there's no escaping the traditional sacred dances, the Cham, performed at the great festivals that make Bhutan so famous: the famous tshechu. Terrifying masks and bewitching choreography symbolize the destruction of evil spirits. A colorful spectacle not to be missed! And while all the country's major festivities - Punakha Domchoe, Jambay Lhakhang Drup, Kurjey Tshechu or Thimphu Tshechu - offer a magnificent version, the most popular remains Paro Tshechu, an unforgettable five-day celebration in March.
Secular music
Although religious music is of prime importance, it does not have a monopoly on Bhutanese folk expression. Far from it. That said, even secular traditional music often has a religious background. Such is the case with zungdra and boedra, the two main styles of traditional Bhutanese song and dance. The former, which first appeared in the 17th century, is endemic and has a reputation for being difficult to sing. Even experienced singers are often put off by its complexity. The second, boedra, originated in Tibetan court music and is generally sung in a circle (much more easily than zhungdra). Zungdra and boedra are also danced, and their instrumental parts include chiwang (a violin), dramyin (a lute) and lingm (a flute). Almost as common are Zhey and Zhem, purely vocal songs with elaborate choreography, often performed during the tsheshu; tsangmo, a literary genre sung in couplets (but not danced); and lozey, quite similar to tsangmo, but constructed in the form of question-and-answer exchanges. Song themes generally revolve around traditions, costumes, customs and literature. More modern is rigsar, a genre that emerged in the 1980s, combining Hindi, Western and Tibetan melodies with electronic instruments.
It's worth noting that some restaurants and hotels organize traditional shows. This is particularly true of Timphu's Taj Tashi, every evening at 6pm.
