With strong emphasis on the preservation of cultural heritage at all levels, Bhutanese have brought their ancient culture and traditions intact into the 21st century. Bhutan’s civilization was cloaked and untouched by the outside influence till then.

Bhutanese language and literature, the arts and crafts, ceremonies and events and basic social and cultural values draw their essence from religious teachings. Therefore most of the Bhutanese religious art and architecture is consecrated and imbibed with the spirits of deities and saints that it depicts. The Bhutanese also see the building and decorating of temples and painting of religious figures as a merit making activity. Its destruction would mean the escalation of spiritual danger and disturbances to the peace and prosperity of self and the country.

The tradition of fine art is alive today, manifested, for example in products like the Thangkas, and the exquisite traditional painting is also visible on the monasteries and houses, skillfully enhancing the architecture.

Architecture is also a significant feature of the Bhutanese identity. Bhutan’s architecture best finds it’s expression in the dzongs, each major valley has a dzong which plays an important role in the history of Bhutan. The combination of engineering skill and aesthetic beauty is unparallel in all structures, from the massive monastic fortresses to houses and bridges. The huge dzongs were built without using a single nail and strategically located protecting and overlooking the valley. The Punkha dzong, recently renovated is a splendid testimony to the Bhutanese architecture and craftsmanship.

Traditional shapes, colors and patterns on the walls, doors, windows place Bhutanese architecture in a class of its own. Music, dance and handicrafts both by clergy and the lay population play an important role in the national, village or domestic functions and festivals. Bhutan’s textile tradition has in the recent years gone international. The distinct technique, color and style of indigenous Bhutanese weaving is being increasingly appreciated by textile specialists, collectors and users. The Zorig Chusum (thirteen traditional arts and crafts) is alive today and is still being preserved and passed to the younger generations with much zeal and fervor.