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The Bhutanese are passionate about Archery (called Datse) and indeed this is their national sport and favorite pastime. There is an archery range even in the smallest of villages (or wherever there is some space), much like football fields in South America or Cricket pitches in India or ice rinks in Canada.
Archery range
Traditional Bhutanese archery is a social event and competitions are organized between villages, towns, and amateur teams. There are usually plenty of food and drink complete with singing and dancing. Attempts to distract an opponent include standing around the target and making fun of the shooter’s ability. The archery range in Thimphu and Paro got very busy during the weekends, and several people simply sat around to watch the game.
The archery range is a long strip of land (about 140m long) and the opposing teams stand near the targets at the end of the field. The archers perform ceremonial dance which could include praises for themselves. Its a slow dance and nicely coordinated.
Archers performing ceremonial dance
Archery was declared as the national sport in 1971, and the game has roots in Bhutanese identity itself. There are several legends describing how bows and arrows were used as primary weapons to destroy anti-dharmic forces of evil. The fact that Gods in both their wrathful and serene forms are depicted holding the bow and arrow is seen as a reason to consider as an auspicious sport with a divine mandate.
Archer in action
Bows and arrows made from bamboo have traditionally been used but are not getting replaced by imported equipment. I was talking to a guy in a bar some day and he said that Archery is rapidly turning elitist since few people can afford to use mechanised equipment. He also said that it is very easy to learn archery on the imported bows and arrows and I can see why. Also, one must learn to use the hand-crafted natural bamboo tools before switching to new ‘machines’ since going other way is impossible. Kinda sounds like learning to play acoustic guitar before switching to an electric one.
The white board behind the archer is the target. Imagine aiming at something like that 140m away.
Archers from opposite teams challenge each other and if you miss hitting the target, you get mocked on your ability (or the lack of it). However if you win the challenge, you get to tuck a colorful scarf under your belt and your team mates will sing songs praising you. The yelling, singing, laughing etc. can sometimes get quite intense. I loved this game!
Archers in Thimphu, with traditional bows
There are many other strange practices that have become deeply entrenched into the game. These have become almost matter-of-fact. For instance, all members of a team have to momentarily renounce the worldly comforts of home, wife included. During the course of tournament, all members of the team must shack up together, whether they like it or not. The stars, or astrological charts are consulted. They dictate time and direction, often culminating in a team very casually strolling into the field, sideways or merely going AWOL until the eleventh hour. Divine intervention, albeit forbidden by the National Archery Federation of Bhutan now, is still much solicited (wow really!).
Archery range. Busy on weekends
I used to make bows and arrows when I was small and on seeing this game I felt a renewed interest to learn it. 
Watching the arrow being released from the bow or an arrow swooping in from the trajectory to hit the target is quite an experience. Its quite scary actually! A traditional Bhutanese proverb says, “The Divine Arrow can be seen only when it hits, not when it is shot’.
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This is a very cool post. I loved reading about the sport and how it is played. I am sure it was fun to watch.
Even I used to make bows and arrows as a kid (inspired by my favorite Mahabharata hero – Arjun).
Thanks Vamsee! It was fun for sure, because it was so different. How I wish I’d recorded some videos of the dancing ceremony…
[...] travelogues narrating my trip to Bhutan. Here are the other posts! Previous post: Paro | Next post: Archery: Bhutan’s National Sport [...]
Priyank, the photographs are brilliant! I don’t know how you manage it. I am not talking of just the quality of the photo, but the angle and the frame. You are good!
Thankyou thankyou! There is lots to learn..
Hmmm this was interesting. And how good are they at it? I mean, were you able to find some really good archers?
Yup! Hitting a target that small from a distance of 140m is god-like to me. See how small the target is! If I try, I need it magnified 50 times… hehehe!
You have captured every aspect of archery in Bhutan. Wonderful snaps to accompany the excellent narration.
Thanks Rajesh! There is definitely more to Bhutan’s archery than what I have here, but for that one has to go to a real tournament. Maybe you will!
Seriously? No sex if there is a tournament?
And I observed that people still wear traditional dresses there. Are all the men wearing skirts, or is that just archery attire?
Hi Jeruen!
Seriously, no sex. But isn’t it just like most other sports? They keep away women (or atleast try to in conventional sense).
Oh the dress is the national (traditional) dress of Bhutan. The men’s dress is called gho and the women wear a kira. In Bhutan, it is mandatory for people to dress in their traditional clothes. So everyone is dressed alike. I should make a post on this.. hmm..
Interesting post. I also used to make bows and arrows as a kid, but I’ve only tested real archery once – when working at a summer camp in Michigan in 2004. It was fun, but rather difficult!
Oh nice! I haven’t tried real archery. I might if possible, it sounds like an exciting game! Plus I can kill demons some day…
Very nice that you could see this sport. I read abt it in Michael Palin’s “Himalaya” and how women viewers make fun of the oponents to disturb their attention and how the players have to be away from family durin these times. Do they happen year long?
Hi Ajeya, thanks so much. I was enthralled to read Palin’s book. The games I went to were casual ones, not big tournaments so I missed the fun. I think there are specific times for the bigger games but otherwise every weekend guys collect at the archery range and play. Pretty cool.
Great post, Priyank. The pictures are really good as always. On a lighter note, the picture on the ceremonial dance – if you see such a lineup in India, you automatically assume they are relieving themselves on the roadside.
Thanks Shantanu!
(Now look where we’ve taken this!)
And looking at the pictures and such lineups, I’m guessing that the guys are circumcised ?
The pictures are, as always great. Bhutan seems such a colorful place…literally!
The ancient Turks, who originated from Central Asia actually worshiped the bow and arrow and it was on their first flag (which was yellow).
An integral part of the nomadic lifestyle…but they certainly weren’t using those high-tech bows!
Thanks Anil,
I didn’t know this trivia about the ancient Turks, very interesting indeed! I think the tradition in many hunting and warrior cultures is similar. In Bhutan it is (actually everything is!) connected to religion ultimately.
[...] Me ← Archery: Bhutan’s National Sport : Older post Newer post : Toronto Tuesday 01.18 [...]
Dear Priyank,
Needless to say, the article was wonderful and the photograph, speechless. I’m the editor of The Journalist, a weekly news magazine and as you have so aptly put it in your photographs, I’m asking you if I can use the picture in the coming edition of The Journalist.
Happy Losar (New Year). Cheers, Jurmi Chhowing, Editor, The Journalist
Editor’s note: Email address removed
Happy Losar to you too Jurmi, Thanks for the comment and the inquiry. I have replied to you via email. (Note: I have deleted your email address from this comment text just to avoid spam.)