India News | Arunachal Pradesh: Army Celebrates Week-long Losar Festival with Monpa Tribe in Tawang
Get latest articles and stories on India at LatestLY. The Monpa Tribe, which inhabit the Tawang and West Kameng areas of Arunachal and has its distinct rituals and traditions, celebrate the Losar festival with much fervour and enthusiasm, as per an official press release.
Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh) [India], March 6 (ANI): Keeping up its close association with the local Monpa Tribe of Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, the Indian Army participated in the week-long festivities of the Losar festival.
The Monpa Tribe, which inhabit the Tawang and West Kameng areas of Arunachal and has its distinct rituals and traditions, celebrate the Losar festival with much fervour and enthusiasm, as per an official press release.
Losar is a one-of-a-kind festival during which residents of Monpa village come together and break into unbridled celebrations.
The festival, marking the onset of Spring in the Northeast state, begins on the first day of the Lunar calendar.
Also Read | CBI Team Questions Rabri Devi at Her Patna Residence; RJD and BJP Trade Charges.
According to the release, the festival commences a week before the dates with residents cleaning their houses and the community rustling up various delicacies, especially the Khow Suey.
The Metho ceremony during the festivities is very conspicuous to Tawang, the release stated further, adding that during this ritual, sacred chants along with the burning of sacred fire torches cleanse the evil spirit and pave the way for the holy spirit in the area.
The Monpas have called Tawang their home since 500 BC and are devout followers of Himalayan Buddhism.
The locals reached out to Army jawans deployed at Zimithang, Kereteng and various other spots as part of the celebrations.The heartwarming gesture touched the troops with 'a home away from home' feeling, stated the release.
The army has adopted several rituals of the Monpa Tribe into its secular fabric and even extends assistance to various Sho (villages) in arranging these events.
"The Tawang area has witnessed large-scale infrastructure development and implementations of various schemes of Government specific to the development of the border areas. This has provided the Monpas with opportunities and avenues towards greater economic prosperity. The Losar Festival interweaves people and drenches them in the colour of festivities. Riots of colour in terms of religious flags and decorations create such an aura of irresistible charm," the release read. (ANI)
(The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)