Have you even been to Tawang? Visit the unexplored paradise on the planet and feel the excitement in the nature. The words “Tawang” and “Monastery” are synonymous to each other. Apart from being an enchanting land for the tourists from across the globe, it houses a Buddhist monastery that has been playing a pivotal role in the social and religious life of the Monpas in Arunachal Pradesh.
The word “Tawang” stands for beautiful surroundings. But, the people here, mostly, believed that Mera Lama named the spot as Tawang in 17th century.
Tawang, one of the wonderful place on the planet is a well connected tourist spot is easily reachable from other parts of the country. The tourists from home and abroad, mostly, arrive this spot from Guwahati and Tezpur in Assam. The journey to Tawang itself no less refreshing if one crosses Bhalukpong in West Kameng district. This is apart from the exotic natural beauty in Bomdila and Sela Pass en route to Tawang by road.
The entire huge area is dominated by the Monpa tribes barring the Shyo hamlet where one can find the people of Tibetian origin. The Monpas live in the houses built with stones and timbers whose staple means of livelihood is animal husbandry. The Monpas have two religious annual festivals. They celebrate Losar the mark the new year with no less pomp and gaiety. Two other festivals namely Torgya and Dungyur are widely celebrated at the Tawang monastery premises.
Tawang Monastery: The world famous Buddhist monastery houses at a huge complex covering an area of 135 sq. meters compounded by a 610 meter long wall. The entire complex has 65 residential buildings apart from and a dozen other structures. One can’t but take delight in the library of old scriptures which dates back to 17th century A.D.
Let’s talk of the monastery. Known as Galden Namgyel Lhatse, it is one of the most largest Lamaseries of Mahayana sect in the entire Asian continent.
A glimpse of Tawang remains incomplete if two lakes are left out. The first and foremost to be named is Pankang Teng Tso lake. Situated at 17 KM away from Tawang, the lake provides the tourists a good occasion to mingle in the beauty and joy of the nature. The same joy and deep union with nature is also available if one visits Sangetser and Banggachang lakes.
