A Bhutanese wedding is much more than a simple exchange of vows and rings. It includes a number of religious rites performed by Buddhist monks and lamas. This represents the importance of the bond between a husband and wife. (or partners)
The actual wedding ceremony and the blessing takes place at the Druk Choeding Monastery 3 kms from Uma Paro, Built in 1525 by Ngawang Chhogyel a prince-abbot from Ralung in Tibet. Jampa (Future Buddha) is the main statue along with the Bhutanese protector deity Gyenyen.
The ceremony will runs as follows.
Uma staff will dress the couple in fine traditional costume – gho for man and kira for lady
The party enters the inner courtyard of the temple through a gateway protected by paintings of the Guardians of the Four Directions.
Having removed shoes the party enters the shrine room, observed by statues and murals of important figures in Bhutanese Buddhist culture including the Bodhisattvas, Avaloketishwara (the God of Compassion) and, of course, Guru Rinpoche himself.
About 20 monks will conduct ceremonial prayers, accompanied by drums and horns and cymbals – the prayers are dedicated to a long, prosperous and happy relationship for the couple.
The couple will make wishes & say prayers whilst exchanging white scarves (kha dhar) – the scarves are held and blessed by the head monk along with symbols of the eight lucky signs throughout the ceremony before husband and wife exchange the scarves.
The ceremony will last for about 2 hrs, with guests seating on the floor at all times.
A Nendar (offering of money) is then presented to the monks
All guests and the couple should bring offerings for the temple including butter lamps, incense, small cash notes, fruit – they could buy strings of prayer flags and get them blessed for a loved one before hanging them by a river or on a high point somewhere in the Kingdom or even taking them home as a souvenir.
Tour Package Inclusions
- Traditional Bhutanese dress Gho & Kira
