Question 1: Where is the Paro Tshechu celebrated?
- Bhutan
- India
- Bangladesh
Answer: Bhutan
Fact: “Tshechu” denotes major religious festivals held annually in each district of Bhutan. These celebrations take place on the 10th day of a specific month in the Bhutanese lunar calendar, with the exact month varying by location. Notable examples include the Thimphu Tshechu and the Paro Tshechu, both of which draw large crowds.
Question 2: Cham is Bhutan’s …
- Annual festival
- National dress
- Masked dance
Answer: Masked dance
Fact: The Cham dance is a masked ritual performance integral to Tibetan Buddhism, commonly featured during Buddhist festivals such as the Paro Tschechu. Performed by monks in ornate costumes, the dance is set to the rhythms of traditional Tibetan instruments. Beyond its visual appeal, the Cham dance imparts moral lessons focused on karuṇā (compassion) for all living beings and is believed to offer spiritual benefits to its audience.
Question 3: What is the national language of Bhutan?
- Kheng
- Lepcha
- Dzongkha
Answer: Dzongkha
Fact: Dzongkha, the official and national language of Bhutan, is part of the Tibeto-Burman language family. The term ‘dzongkha’ combines dzong (meaning fortress) and kha (meaning language), translating to “the language of the fortress.”