282
A novice monk infront of a colorful painting at the colorful Chimi Lhakhang in central Bhutan.
A novice monk standing infront of a colorful painting at the Chimi Lhakhang temple in Bhutan, which has a colorful history.
The painting depicts the 'Four Harmonious Friends' locally known as Thuenpa Puen Zhi. The four friends in the picture are an elephant, a monkey, a rabbit and a pheasant. It illustrates the concept of teamwork and respect towards seniors. There are many variations of the story and you can read a few from this link. Also Chimi Lhakhang is dedicated to the most notorious monk in Bhutan, Drukpa Kinley aka 'The Divine Madman'. He is remembered for the outrageous nature of his teachings, which were administered in the most unexpected ways, often with a strong sexual overtones and inclinations. This is why the temple is popularly considered as the temple of fertility.
253
Leaving the plains behind.
View of the plains of India, a few minutes after being on the road climbing up to Bhutan.
295
Photoshoot with the monks at the Dramtse monastery near Trashigang.
Photoshoot with the monks at the Dramtse monastery near Trashigang.
294
Photoshoot with the monks at the Dramtse monastery near Trashigang.
Photoshoot with the monks at the Dramtse monastery near Trashigang.
291
Photoshoot with the monks at the Dramtse monastery near Trashigang.
Photoshoot with the monks at the Dramtse monastery near Trashigang.
299
A Bhutanese kid walking to school at the Phobjikha valley in central bhutan.
A Bhutanese kid walking to school at the Phobjikha valley in central bhutan.
298
Black necked cranes (Thrung Thrungs) at the Phobjikha valley in central Bhutan.
Black necked cranes (Thrung Thrungs) at the Phobjikha valley in central Bhutan.
283
Mural paintings on the walls of the Gantey Gompa in central Bhutan.
Mural paintings on the walls of the Gantey Gompa in central Bhutan.
281
Sipping chang with the archers..
I tried the bow. You'll have to be really really strong in order to get the right tension. Its hard work.
301
Flock of Black necked cranes (Thrung Thrungs) at the Phobjikha valley in central Bhutan.
Black necked cranes (Thrung Thrungs) at the Phobjikha valley in central Bhutan.
264
Whirling like crazy..
Whirling round like this is part of the traditional Bhutanese mask dance. But now at the end of festival processing that goes around the temple these people we whirling around like this just for fun.
297
Black necked cranes (Thrung Thrungs) at the Phobjikha valley in central Bhutan.
Black necked cranes (Thrung Thrungs) at the Phobjikha valley in central Bhutan.
288
Young monks studying at the Sengor monastery.
Young monks studying at the Sengor monastery.
293
Photoshoot with the monks at the Dramtse monastery near Trashigang.
Photoshoot with the monks at the Dramtse monastery near Trashigang.
292
Photoshoot with the monks at the Dramtse monastery near Trashigang.
Photoshoot with the monks at the Dramtse monastery near Trashigang.
285
Mural paintings on the walls of the Gantey Gompa in central Bhutan.
Mural paintings on the walls of the Gantey Gompa in central Bhutan.
258
The festive grounds..
Thats the local temple you see there.
287
Young monks studying music at the Sengor monastery.
Young monks studying music at the Sengor monastery.
277
Aiming at the Target..
A Bhutanese archer aiming to hit a target placed about a 100 meters away.
279
Spectators in cheerful spirits.
Notice the bucket of Ara on the right.
286
Young monks studying music at the Sengor monastery.
Young monks studying music at the Sengor monastery.
296
Black necked cranes (Thrung Thrungs) at the Phobjikha valley in central Bhutan.
Black necked cranes (Thrung Thrungs) at the Phobjikha valley in central Bhutan.
