The Torgya Monastery Festival, celebrated annually at the iconic Tawang Monastery in Arunachal Pradesh, is a vibrant showcase of Buddhist spirituality, rich cultural heritage, and centuries-old traditions. This grand three-day celebration, held during the Monpa lunar calendar’s 28th day of the 11th month (typically January), is deeply rooted in history, dating back to the 17th century. Instituted by Merag Lama Lodre Gyatso, the founder of Tawang Monastery, the festival is a symbolic ritual to ward off evil spirits, natural calamities, and misfortunes while invoking blessings of peace, prosperity, and good health for all.
At the heart of the festival lies the spectacular Cham Dance, a mystical performance by masked monks dressed in vibrant robes. These dances, steeped in religious significance, depict the triumph of good over evil and invoke the protective deities of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition. The dancers’ intricate movements, accompanied by the hypnotic sounds of cymbals, horns, and drums, create an otherworldly aura that captivates the audience.
One of the highlights of Torgya is the burning of the Torma, a large ceremonial structure made of flour and butter, symbolizing the destruction of negative energies and evil forces. This act represents spiritual purification and renewal, making the festival not just a cultural event but also a deeply meditative and transformative experience.
Set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of the Himalayas, the festival attracts pilgrims, tourists, and culture enthusiasts from across the globe. The Torgya Monastery Festival is not just a celebration; it is a journey into the spiritual soul of the Monpa community, a testament to their enduring traditions, and a vivid reminder of the importance of harmony between humanity and nature.
Major Attractions of Torgya Monastery Festival
1. The First Day of the Festival. Known as Torgya, on this day, lamas worship a 3-feet tall and 2-feet wide effigy that is created by 14 lamas and is crafted in 16 days before the festival. During this time monks chant verses from the scriptures.
There are four ingredients - ghee, barley, milk, and molasses - that are used to create this statue, which is called Torma. Apart from Torma, Mechang is also built with dry leaves of bamboo and erected in the shape of a temple. The head of the lamas then performs a ritual wherein Mechang is burnt.
2. Torma Procession. During the procession, the lamas, wearing bells around the waist, bring out the Torma along with two other masked lamas wearing male and female yak masks. These two lamas are called Choige Yap-Yum and are considered as servants of Lama Tsongkapa. By carrying Torma, the lamas head towards burning the Mechang.
After reaching the location, the head of lamas performs Sangonna wherein they carry the Torma and put it in the burning Mechang. Post performing the ritual, they go back to the monastery. This procession is performed with great pomp and show.
3. Wang - The Final-Day Festival. The last day is performed as Wang which starts with making Tseril which is a type of sweet made by barley, sugar, and molasses. After that, the head of lamas perform prayers and then distribute the Tseril among other lamas.
They also drink a local beer named Tse-Chang to wrap the festival on a fun note. Also, the Head Lama gives blessings (also known as Tse-Boom) to other lamas by touching their heads.
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Torgya Monastery Festival Clothes and Dance
The most important dance type here is the Chham Dance. In fact, it can definitely be said that monastery festivals in Arunachal Pradesh are incomplete without the Chham Dance.
The monks perform the traditional Chham dance wearing robes and various animal-like masks in the courtyard of the monastery. During the dance performance, they disguise themselves as divine Buddhist characters. The dance festival is celebrated for three consecutive days.
Read More : Culture Of Arunachal Pradesh
How to Reach to Arunachal Pradesh for Torgya Festival
- By Air: The nearest airport to Tawang is Tezpur Airport in Assam, approximately 260 km away, but it has limited connectivity. For more flight options, you can fly to Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati, about 480 km from Tawang. From these airports, you can hire taxis or shared cabs to Tawang.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Rangapara Railway Station, located around 315 km from Tawang. Another major railway station is Tezpur Railway Station, which has better connectivity to cities in Assam and nearby states. From these stations, you can continue your journey by road via buses or taxis.
- By Bus: Arunachal Pradesh State Transport Services (APSTS) operates regular buses from Tezpur to Tawang. Private bus operators and shared cabs are also available for a more comfortable journey. The drive is scenic but can take 10-12 hours due to hilly terrain.
- By Road (Self-Drive or Taxi): Tawang is well-connected by road to nearby towns in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. The most common route is via Tezpur-Bhalukpong-Bomdila-Dirang-Tawang, covering approximately 480 km from Guwahati. The roads are mountainous and challenging, so it’s advisable to hire experienced drivers if you're not accustomed to such terrain.
- Helicopter Services: Helicopter services are occasionally available from Guwahati to Tawang, reducing travel time significantly. These services depend on weather conditions and availability, so it’s recommended to check in advance.
Read More : Places To Visit in Tawang
Frequently Asked Questions about Torgya Monastery Festival
Q1: What is the Torgya festival?
A1: The Torgya Festival is a three-day Buddhist celebration held at the Tawang Monastery in Arunachal Pradesh. It involves sacred rituals, masked Cham dances, and the burning of the Torma to ward off evil spirits and invite prosperity for the community.
Q2: Which festival is celebrated in Tawang?
A2: The Torgya Festival is celebrated in Tawang, showcasing Buddhist traditions, cultural performances, and spiritual practices at the Tawang Monastery.
Q3: In which monastery is the Hemis festival celebrated?
A3: The Hemis Festival is celebrated at the Hemis Monastery, located in Ladakh, India.
Q4: What is the famous festival of Arunachal Pradesh?
A4: One of the most famous festivals of Arunachal Pradesh is the Torgya Festival, celebrated at Tawang Monastery. Other popular festivals include Losar, Dree, and Si-Donyi, which reflect the region's rich cultural diversity.
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