Tawang Monastery

My Photo scholarship 2011 entry

India | Saturday, October 29, 2011 | 5 photos

TAWANG the world of mystics and enchanting beauties is the home of Monpa tribe.

Decedents of Mongoloid race, Monpas are Buddhist by religion and Tawang monastery is the fountain head of their spiritual lives.
Tawang Monastery was founded by Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso in the year 1680-81.

The monastery stands on the spur of a hill, about 10,000 feet above sea level and has ravines in the south and west, narrow ridge on the north and gradual slope on the east. It offers a commanding and picturesque view of the Tawang-chu valley. From a distance it appears like a fort as if guarding the votaries in the wide valley below. Tawang monastery is the largest of its kind in the country and is one of the largest monasteries in Asia. It has the capacity for housing about seven hundred monks.

The Monpas are by and large agriculturists. They also tame yak, sheep and other livestock. They live in cozy double storied residential houses constructed of stone blocks, bamboo ceiling, curved wooden doors and window frames. They are courteous, friendly docile, hardworking and above all they are very hospitable. We can see the impeccable influence of their religion on their demeanor.
The Monpas are artistic by nature. Wood curving works, carpets and bamboo utensils made by them are exquisitely beautiful. They have earned a niche for themselves in Thanka paintings and hand-made papermaking.

Due to heavy landslide in September 2010 which washed away the entire chunk of landmass just below Tawang Monastery posing great threat to the existence of this historical monument. If concrete steps are not taken in time, there is every possibility that continuous rainfall in summer and snowfall in winter will completely wash away the entire land mass behind Tawang monastery resulting in complete damage to the monastery.

This scholarship will help me to learn a lot and share my 25 year travel photography experience and numerous unique exotic very less known places in India.