1. Deki Yangzom BA Anthropology Royal Thimphu College
Food and Culture: Changes, Continuities, and Changing Continuities in Bhutan
Deki Yangzom
BA Anthropology
Royal Thimphu College

2. Traditional Way of Eating Food in Bhutanese Family

3. 1. The motif of seating arrangements
driglam namzha
Those who eat jointly are traditionally expected to sit in a circle and cross-legged on the floor
Silence is to be maintained while eating
The head of the family is served first and no one can stand up and leave until all the members of the family finishes their food
Traditional seating and serving arrangements reveal and reproduce clear kinship and gender hierarchies that are reflective of wider societal arrangements

4. Changes and Changing Continuities
The seating position and style has changed
Especially in urban areas the so-called western-style dining table has become widespread
The form and functioning of many modern institutions are not conducive to the strict adherence of zhacha dorsum
Individualized eating pattern are on the rise and relatively ‘self- serving’
Silence is no longer maintained
However, traditions tend to be more closely adhered when guests are attended to.

5. Food Offering Prayers

6. 2.The offering of “Tomchoe”
Meaning and practice of Tomchoe
Offering to the Three Jewels: the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha
The spiritual pervades traditional Bhutanese eating etiquette and is long socially normative
Eating meals at the crossroads of the ‘Profane’ and the ‘Sacred’

7. Changing Continuities
Tomchoe and Phue continues to be practiced but less among youngsters and in urbanized, modern settings
It has ceased to be ritually and socially expected only during special occasions
Example: Rimdro at Royal Thimphu College .

8. 3.Eating Utensils
Traditionally food were cooked in earthen wares and eaten by hands
Toray
Dapa and Bangchung
Eating Utensils as a reflection of Bhutanese skills in arts and crafts

9. Contemporary change
Traditional utensils is replaced by modern tools such as plates, spoon, fork, chopstick, knifes, etc
Most of us use western cutlery
Dishes are cooked using LPG gas, rice cooker and other electronic machines

10. 1.Bangchung
2.Dapa

11. 4.Earthenware “Thab”
3.Earthen pot

12. Changing Continuities
Traditional utensils continue to be present in most households, but primarily serve as decorative purposes
Chinese-style bowls and western-style cutlery have become commonplace
In modern institutions, including Royal Thimphu College, meals are served in large steel plates

13. 4. The meaning of alcohol in Bhutanese culture
The Meaning and Practice of Ara
“Ara” is the local term for the alcohol in Bhutan
Consumption of ara traditionally facilitated and symbolized the creation and nourishing of social relations
Types of Alcohol- Sinchang, Bangchang, Tongpa, Ara
Serkem
Marchang
“Bhutanese archery is probably the only sport in the world today where drinking is allowed during the game” Choden(2008)

14. Example: Ara and Traditional Courtship
Jomo Ngengi: Ama Jomo’s Marriage Custom of Merak and Sakteng (L. Dorji 2003)
Steps of traditional courtship and marriage:
Childhood Betrothal (Chung-ngen)
The drinks of ask-acceptance(Trungchang)
The middle drinks(Barchang)
Bride Send-off(Bagmatonglen)
Giving of the Brides Inheritance and Gifts(Bumgi Yongdang and Phag)

15. 1.Local “Ara”
2.Imported Liquor

16. Contemporary changes
Alcohol symbolized wealth in the past as its brewing presupposed the availability of surplus in grains
The expensive and labour-intensive process of its production may explain its elevated status as an offering
While Ara is still preferred by many, today there is widespread availability of ‘cheap’ and imported liquor
Dual Development: alcoholism is increasingly a social problem yet at a societal level it appears that many Bhutanese drink on fewer occasions compared to the past

17. Tashi Delek!