Sunday, Apr 21, 2024 22:45 [IST]
Last Update: Saturday, Apr 20, 2024 17:06 [IST]
You
just can’t believe, a foreign visit is possible without a passport, visa, forex
card / foreign currency, travel insurance or air ticket. And we got into our
car and drove off at dawn. After a hundred kilometer drive from Guwahati, we
entered into a sleepy border town, where happiness index of a state has a prime
priority over GDP. We were delighted to traverse through its stunning gateway
with all the flavours of a foreign destination. Go on, take a guess. It’s
Samdrup Jongkhar, the eastern valley of Bhutan.
I
expected the entry point rather to be like a town out of a western movie set of
bygone years, while stopping by gun-toting commandos. Alas! No questions were
asked by the guards stationed at the gate. We proceeded further in queue with
caution. However an identification slip for entry permit for Indians at Bhutan
was issued almost instantly at the border Immigration office after verification
of our Voter ID cards. Visiting Bhutan is a visa-free experience for citizens
of India.
After
a brief stopover at the religious learning center for the younger monks at
Rabadey Dratshang monastery, we took a stroll at Mani Dunkhor temple. Bhutanese
construction is spellbound by the presence of divinity in their monastery. We
were awestruck by the design of the structures from the Tibetan tradition of
Buddhist architecture captivating rich artistic embellishments and colours. Monks
rarely bother with visitors’ presence and lives their life in prayer and
contemplation in a monastery.
But
what makes us surprising the quietness on the land of the thunder Dragon at Samdrup
Jongkhar, one of the twenty Dzongkhag (District) of Bhutan. The streets are
neat and clean and traffic moves one way. People are going about their activities
with happiness and wellbeing. Cars were so quiet making no noise and never saw
a vehicle sped by honking its horn. Our little nephew was very excited to go
with the environs and shared his experience at school, when a caravan of
honking vehicles often pierced his eardrums. The perils of “horn ok please”
sparked by shrill horns from speeding and rash driving are the order of the
day.
So
we had another day in tranquil and serene surroundings at a peaceful place. There
were many more foot-travelers on the road than motor vehicles and we just saw
two traffic police personnel in the market area helping pedestrians. Lamas lead
a disciplined and contemplative life dedicated to the pursuit of spiritual
realization. We were fascinated with the Bhutanese local cuisine with “ema” (chilies),
which is the integral part of every Bhutanese dish. They embraced the ambitious
goal of becoming the world’s first 100% organic nation.
We
had a lick of ice cream in the evening and watched Bhutanese stroll in the
aisles by quietly. Interestingly, serving alcohol is a sign of respect, honour
and hospitality in their culture but never saw a paan shop there. The shops
were very relaxed and rarely heard any aggressive marketing. No public address
systems or jarring music played anywhere. Ah, what a lovely place! The
Bhutanese way of life is refreshing for all its contrasts. Like our place, we
didn’t notice Bhutanese swiping fingers on screen for social media. It says, Bhutan
respects its cultural values, and while there are no specific restrictions,
it's advisable to be mindful of online activities that may be considered
inappropriate. However QR code scanning is used by Bhutanese at border entry.
One
can’t simply ignore the display of King and Queen of Bhutan in their
traditional attire “Gho” and “Kira” in almost every shop. A souvenir is
attributed to a travel diary and I was looking for the local luxury and
authentic souvenir “Yathra” – a thick handwoven woolen textile with intricate
designs, but our little one wanted a Bhutanese coins instead. A “Ngultrum” coin
is designed from its national emblem “Coat of Arms” containing a flag of Bhutan
and Buddhist symbolism. Incidentally, Bhutan accepts INR, and we could bring
their currency back with us.
While
returning, we wanted to browse around the vegetable market at neighbouring border
town at Tamulpur. The local greengrocer gave back us a change of Bhutanese notes.
I stood there in awed moment. With complete sincerity and commitment, I
accepted the “Ngultrum”. We all were overjoyed then for receiving another
“Ngultrum” currency. Hope to exchange it anytime. “Bhutan is calling” offered a
great opportunity to visit it for just a day.
kamal.baruah@yahoo.com