BHUTAN ~ Punakha Dzong - Punakha ~

... Yeaaaah!!👍 New country for my collection ( had one but sent from India)... "the land of happiness"... Bhutan remains one of the most mysterious places in the world... beautiful view of the impressive Punakha Dzong...  the second oldest and second largest in Bhutan... it is the seat of the district administration and monastic center...  the dzongs serve as focal points of the country's political, economic, religious, and social life... their thick white walls, which slope inward in Tibetan style, shelter Buddhist lamas, government officials, and artisans... usually situated on a prominent site overlooking a stream or river...  Punakha Dzong is one of the most magnificent of all the fortresses in Bhutan... Thanks a lot Petra!!【ツ】

The land of happiness Bhutan is called the Jewel of the Eastern Himalayas. This small, landlocked country is located along the southern slopes of the Himalayan range, bounded by Tibet and India.

The official name of Bhutan is Druk-yul, which means ‘land of the thunder dragon’. It earned this name because of the fierce storms, that often roll in from the Himalayas. Since it is cut off from the rest of the world by the Great Himalayas, a unique culture and tradition based on gentle Buddhist beliefs have evolved over time. Punakha used to be the capital of Bhutan till 1955, after which it was moved to Thimphu.

Punakha Dzong ( also known as the palace of great happiness or bliss") is placed strategically at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal built this Dzong in 1637. Several fires and earthquakes damaged this Dzong and during the recent years it has been restored by the present monarch.

It is listed as a tentative site in Bhutan's Tentative List for UNESCO inclusion.

Stamps:

2015 Chinese New Year - Year of the Ram
(Issued 19-02-2015)