Tawang: Land of the Monpas
The Torgya Festival at Tawang Monastery is a powerful expression of the Monpa people's spiritual life and cultural identity. Held annually to drive away negative forces and celebrate the triumph of good over evil, the festival blends sacred masked dances, chants, and rituals passed down through generations. We wonder if this concept from Buddhism has any ancient connection to the concept of "Satyameva Jayate" from Sanskritic Sanatana Dharma!
For the Monpas though, these performances are not just tradition—they are a living connection to their beliefs, history, and the natural world. Seen through an anthropological lens, Torgya reflects how communities like the Monpas use ritual to preserve collective memory, strengthen social bonds, and maintain cultural continuity in a rapidly changing world.
