Elections were in the air of the world's youngest democracy when I arrived in Thimphu. This was for a by-election in the capital city, that dominated the conversation at dinners, even in Thimphu's most fun night-spot Mojo Park (the best music in town). Bhutan has taken to democracy with ease ever since 2008 when the first proper elections were held, a process India has helped out with, sending officials from the Election Commission travelling to check arrangements, explain electronic voting machine (EVM) technology and procedures. However, there are many things uniquely Bhutanese: Monks and nuns in this deeply religious Buddhist majority are not allowed to vote, so as to avoid mixing religion and politics. All voters must wear their national dress on polling day, but no one-candidate, campaigner or voter-is allowed to wear the kabney silk and gyentag (scarf of honour, for men and women respectively, bestowed only by the King), patang (ceremonial sword), or any other sign of rank or royal patronage to avoid a misuse of influence. And, in deference to the environment, no posters can be put up on any public property, including trees, and are mostly restricted to a community billboard for all. Maybe a thing or two the world's largest democracy could learn from the youngest? Royal textiles If you're in Thimphu, put the Textile Museum on your must-do list. The museum, run by the Royal Textile Academy is the project of Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck, one of the Queen Mothers of Bhutan (the former King had four Queens, all sisters). The museum is dedicated to preserving the oldest and rarest woven fabrics worn in Bhutan and used in their religious scrolls and Thangkhas. As you walk in, it is the ‘Thongdrel' or massive silk work of the Zhabdrung Phuensum Tshogpa (in honour of a sacred meal served to Bhutan's political and spiritual founder in 1637) that greets you. The thongdrel stands 34 feet tall, running 23 feet across and is set against a glass window that runs three stories high. Another on your must-see list is the relatively new Tara Lakhang and Pangrizampa monastery on the outskirts of Thimphu. This is Bhutan's only monastery dedicated to 21 Taras, the female Bodhisattva and it is a powerful display of ancient feminism. Compared to the rest of the subcontinent, women have a status more equal to men in Bhutan. There isn't the obvious preference for the male child, girls and boys go to school in equal numbers.