Religion in Bhutan

Bhutan is a country where Buddhism is the main religion, followed by most people. Buddhism shapes many parts of daily life and culture there.

Besides Buddhism, many people in Bhutan also follow Hinduism. This religion is mainly practiced by a group called the Lhotshampas. There are also smaller groups of people who follow other religions such as Bon, Christianity, and Islam.

The king of Bhutan makes sure that everyone can freely choose their religion, showing respect for all beliefs. This helps keep the country peaceful and united.

Buddhism

Main article: Buddhism in Bhutan

Bhutan's constitution says that Buddhism is important to the country, and the king must be Buddhist and protect all religions. Most people in western and central Bhutan are Ngalop, descendants of Tibetan immigrants, and they mainly follow a special branch of Buddhism called Drukpa Lineage. The royal family mixes two Buddhist traditions, and many people believe these two traditions are one. In eastern Bhutan, the Sharchops, who may be the original inhabitants, mostly follow Buddhism mixed with Bon or practice animism and Hinduism. The government supports different Buddhist monasteries.

Hinduism

Main article: Hinduism in Bhutan

Many people in Bhutan, especially in the south, practice Hinduism. About 23% of the people in Bhutan follow Hinduism, making it the second most common religion there. These Hindus are mainly from the Lhotshampa ethnic group.

Hindus in Bhutan follow different traditions, including Shaivite, Vaishnavite, and Vedic teachings. In 2012, the first Hindu temple was built in Thimphu. The government of Bhutan celebrates important Hindu and Buddhist holidays as public holidays.

The Hindu Dharma Samudaya of Bhutan (HDSB) is an organization that helps support Hindu traditions. It started in 2009 and works to share the values and practices of Hinduism in the country.

Bon

Main article: Bon in Bhutan

Bon is an old set of beliefs that comes from nature and includes shamanistic practices. It was there before Buddhism arrived in the area. Though many think of Bon as separate from Buddhism, people in Bhutan still hold onto some Bon traditions, especially during special festivals and times when they look for healing.

Only a small number of people in Bhutan follow Bon as their main belief, but Bon priests sometimes take part in Buddhist celebrations and share their rituals during these occasions.

Christianity

Main article: Christianity in Bhutan

Only a small part of Bhutan's people follow Christianity. This religion came to Bhutan in the late 1600s from priests in Portugal. It did not become popular because many people already practiced Buddhism. Some families in nearby places like Assam and Bengal have roots in Bhutan. The government of Bhutan does not make Christian holidays official public holidays.

Islam

There isn't much information about how Islam started in Bhutan, but it likely came from people moving in from nearby areas. Muslims in Bhutan are a small group and keep to themselves. In 2008, a mosque was built by a group called the Ahmadiyya.

It is hard to know exactly how many Muslims live in Bhutan. Some reports say they make up a small part of the country, but the rules of Bhutan do not officially recognize Islam along with Hinduism and Buddhism.

U.S. Library of Congress Constitution of Bhutan

Freedom and regulation of religion

Main article: Freedom of religion in Bhutan

Bhutan's laws let people practice their religion freely. But religious leaders and groups should not get involved in politics. They should focus on the country's spiritual traditions.

A law from 2007 helps control religious groups to protect Bhutan's culture. This law made a special group called the Chhoedey Lhentshog to watch over all religious organizations. These groups must follow rules and keep records.