Religion in Bhutan

Bhutan is a country where Buddhism is the main religion, followed by most of the people. About three out of four people in Bhutan practice Buddhism, which 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 known as 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, even with its many different religious traditions.

Buddhism

Main article: Buddhism in Bhutan

Bhutan's constitution says that Buddhism is the country's spiritual heritage, 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 southern part of the country, practice Hinduism. About 23% of the country's people follow Hinduism, making it the second most common religion in Bhutan. 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 was 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 way of believing that comes from nature and includes shamanistic practices. It existed before Buddhism came to the region. Even though many see Bon as different from Buddhism, people in Bhutan still keep some Bon traditions alive today, especially during special festivals and when they need help with healing.

Very few people in Bhutan follow Bon as their main belief, but Bon priests sometimes join in Buddhist celebrations and share their rituals during these events.

Christianity

Main article: Christianity in Bhutan

Only about 0.5% of people in Bhutan follow Christianity. This religion first came to Bhutan in the late 1600s by priests from Portugal, but it did not become popular among the many people who already practiced Buddhism. Some Christians in nearby places like Assam and Bengal have families from Bhutan. The government of Bhutan does not celebrate Christian holidays as 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. In 1989, one report said they made up about 5% of the country. In 2010, another report said the number might be around 1% (about 7,000 people) or even as low as 0.2%. Even though some groups say there are more Muslims, 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 allow people to practice their religion freely. However, religious leaders and groups are expected to stay out of politics and focus on the country's spiritual traditions.

A law from 2007 helps control and watch over religious groups to protect Bhutan's spiritual culture. This law created a special group called the Chhoedey Lhentshog to oversee all religious organizations. These groups must follow certain rules and keep records. In 2022, an organization called Freedom House said Bhutan does protect religion, but some people who are not Buddhist have faced trouble and pressure to join Buddhist activities.