Torgya: The Masked Dances of Tawang Monastery

A Monastic Festival of Protection

Torgya is a vibrant and significant monastic festival celebrated every year at the famous Tawang Monastery in Arunachal Pradesh. This three-day festival is held according to the lunar calendar and is a celebration meant to chase away evil spirits and usher in prosperity and happiness for the people and their crops. The festival is a rich display of Buddhist culture and tradition, drawing devotees and tourists alike.

The Sacred Cham Dance

The main attraction of the Torgya festival is the 'Chham', a ritualistic and sacred masked dance performed by the monks of the monastery. These dances are not just performances; they are a form of meditation and a religious rite that is believed to provide protection from all-natural calamities and evil forces.

Highlights of the Festival:

• Colorful Masks and Costumes: The monks don elaborate and colorful costumes and intricately designed masks that represent various deities and celestial beings.
• Traditional Music: The dances are performed to the powerful and heart-throbbing music of huge drums, cymbals, and gigantic telescopic horns and clarinets, creating a mesmerizing and spiritual atmosphere.
• Religious Recitations: The festival begins with the recitation of religious texts and prayers in the monastery, setting a serene and devotional tone for the celebrations.

The Torgya festival offers a captivating and epic view of the region's spiritual heritage, leaving spectators mesmerized. It's a unique opportunity to witness a living tradition that has been preserved for centuries in the remote and beautiful landscape of Arunachal Pradesh.