Tawang
Tawang district is located in north-western Arunachal Pradesh in India. The People's Republic of China claims sovereignty over the area as part of Cuona district in Shannan Prefecture (Tibet Autonomous Region), while India claims it as part of the state of Arunachal Pradesh.The inhabitants of the districts are all of Monpa tribes except Shyo village, which is dominated by people of Tibetan origin. The Monpas belong to Mongoloid stock, are well built, and fair in complexion. Their houses are built with stones and timbers. Agriculture and Animal Husbandry are the fundamental means of the Monpas occupation.
History
Prior to the construction of the Tawang monastery, Tawang was traditionally inhabited by the Monpa people, who reigned the Mon kingdom that stretches from Tawang right up to Sikkim. The Mon kingdom was later absorbed into the control of neighbouring Bhutan and Tibet.
The Tawang monastery was founded by the Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso in 1681 in accordance to the wishes of the 5th Dalai Lama, Nagwang Lobsang Gyatso, and has an interesting legend surrounding its name, which means "Chosen by Horse". The sixth Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso, was born in Tawang.
Tawang then came under direct control from Tibet until February 12, 1951, when Major R Khating led Indian Army troops to evict Tibetan administrators, and India annexed the territory. The Tibetans had been very oppressive towards the Monpa under their rule.
After India severed Tawang off from Tibet, it was not until 1962 when Chinese troops occupied Tawang during the Sino-Indian War, destroying portions of the monastery. The valiant last stand of Mahavir Chakra awardee Jaswant Singh Rawat took place in Tawang. After the voluntary withdrawal of Chinese troops, Tawang was once again under the control of India.
Losar The New Year festival, called "Losar", is perhaps the most important festival of Tawang District. It generally falls in the last part of February or early part of March and is celebrated with lots of gaiety and festivity, which lasts for 8 to 15 days.
Monpa Dance Besides the Monastic dances performed for three days during Torgya festivals, many other dances are performed on different occasions by the people of Tawang district. Some of the important and popular dances of the area are- Aji Lhamu dance, Yak Dance and lion & peacock dances etc.
Monpa Festival Monpas have a colourful festive heritage. The festivals are associated with agricultural practices and religious occasions. Some Important festivals of the area include Losar, Saga Dawa, Dukpa Tse-Shi, Lhabab Duechen, Ganden Ngamchoe, Torgya.
Monpa Tribe The picturesque Tawang girdled by lofty hills, is the home of the Monpas. There are various versions how this land came to be known as ' Tawang'. The Monpas are of Mongoloid descent. There are legends that the Monpas emigrated from Bhutan and Tibet at different times.
Saga Dawa The fourth month as per lunar calendar is regarded as the holiest period for the Buddhists. This month marks the birth of Lord Buddha, his attainment of supreme enlightenment and his passing into the state of nirvana. It normally falls in the month of May. Tawang Monastery Merak Lama Lodre Gyamtso founded the famous "Galden Namgyal Lhatse", popularly known as
Tawang Monastery in the year 1860-61. The monastery stands on the spur of a hill, about 10,000 feet above sea level.
Torgya Torgya is a monastic festival held every year for three days starting from 28th day of the eleventh month of the lunar calendar, which generally falls in the last part of January. In order to drive off evil forces and to ward off any natural calamity.
Tawang, East India Hill Station
Query Form
