The Kingdom of Bhutan is the last remaining independent country to support Buddhism as the official state religion. It is the bastion of Tibetan Buddhist culture at its purest and it is amply reflected in its colorful religious festivals known as Tsechus. During my trip in November 2006, I was able to attend two such important Tsechus - Jaambay Lakhang and Parkhar in the Bhumtang Valley in Central-eastern Bhutan. It was fascinating to see Monks wearing colorful demonic masks and costumes and performing twirling dances to the sounds of flutes, bugles and drums.

In addition, I visited several Dzongs - fortress like structures generally perched on hill tops - that traditionally housed military personnel, administrative offices and a monastic wing housing temples and schools for monks. I was also able to visit many old monasteries and nunneries and observe several Buddhist religious ceremonies.