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Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research

Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research

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Policy Brief: Traditional Bongko ritual binding community harmony in Bhutan

Bhutan is a small landlocked mountainous country sandwiched between two great Asian civilizations, China to the north and India to the east, west, and south. Buddhism is the predominant religion in Bhutan followed by Hinduism in southern parts of the country. According to the facts and details of religion in Bhutan (2022), Shamanism and Animism forms of Buddhism are seen, where mountain peaks are believed to be the abodes of guardian deities called Yue lha and lake as the residence of the lake deity called Tshomem. As an animistic practice, water deity Chugi Lhamu, cliff deity Tsen, subterranean deities like Lue and Sadag, and haunted dark place by the demons or Duee are widely believed even till date. Bhutanese place a strong emphasis on the worship of deities through ritualistic practices.

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