Current Time in Bhutan
Bhutanese culture of time
Bhutanese culture of time
A relaxed sense of time is deeply rooted
In Bhutan, the value of "slow and calm" is deeply rooted in society, and there is little sense of being pressed for time in daily life. Some delays and schedule changes are accepted as natural.
Life in line with the rhythm of nature
In areas where agriculture is at the center of life, life in line with the movement of the sun and the changing of the seasons is still mainstream. The rhythm of early mornings and quiet evenings as they get dark is maintained.
Traditional events shape the flow of time
Religious events and festivals according to the calendar play an important role in Bhutan, and people's schedules are greatly influenced by the Chukhara (Bhutanese calendar).
Values regarding time in Bhutan
"Happiness-first" time usage
In Bhutan, the value of prioritizing "spiritual richness" over material success is widespread, and a relaxed life is considered ideal rather than a busy one. Sharing time is also emphasized over "management".
A culture that values time for meditation and prayer
Not only monks but also ordinary people sometimes have time for Buddhist training and meditation in their daily lives, and it is important to use time in a way that maintains mental calm.
Not being strict about appointments, but sincerity is valued
Not being strict about time is not rude, but rather sincerity and politeness towards others are valued. Emphasis is placed on "how to interact" rather than time.
Things foreigners should know about time when traveling or relocating to Bhutan
Public transport and services are often not on time
Buses and local transport often do not operate according to schedule, so you need to allow plenty of time in your schedule. Public holidays can also cause sudden closures.
Official procedures can take time
Government procedures are thorough but not speedy, so you need to allow plenty of time for visits and applications. You need to be flexible and able to deal with waiting in line and unexpected changes.
There is a strong balance between morning and afternoon activities
People tend to complete their main activities in the morning, and the afternoon is relatively relaxed. It is best to schedule work or visits in the morning.
Fun facts about time in Bhutan
Bhutan Standard Time is UTC+6 and is the same all year round
Bhutan uses the UTC+6 time zone all year round and does not use daylight saving time. The country uses the same standard time as Bangladesh.
Countries are evaluated by "Gross National Happiness (GNH)" instead of GDP
In Bhutan, where "happy time use" is emphasized, the society is designed to emphasize mental satisfaction and rich human relationships rather than efficient use of time.
At school, "attitude" is sometimes emphasized more than time
In Bhutan's educational field, there is a culture that emphasizes the growth of the mind, such as students' attitude and consideration, rather than acting on a set time. This can be said to be a unique approach to time education.