Tag: Arunachal pradesh

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Culture North east Tribal

A peep into the lives of Galo Tribe, Arunachal Pradesh

The diversity of India gives it a unique identity. It is so well absorbed in every aspect that we can feel it developing on the surface of our souls. One such exotic aspect of Indian diversity is the Galo Tribe from Arunachal Pradesh that exudes a variety of colors in different shades and textures.

A large chunk of tribes in the majestic Arunachal Pradesh is occupied by Galo Tribe. In some areas of the state, they are also known as Duba, Doba, Dobah Abors, Galloing Abors, and Galong. Galo tribe has been listed in the Indian constitution as a separate tribe or scheduled tribe by the name of Galong. The efforts are being made to change the name to Galo by the community.

Demographics

According to the census of 2001, the total population of Galo community is 80,597. They are found in West Siang, southwestern side of East Siang, southwestern side of upper Subansiri, lower Dibang Valley, and Changiang Districts of Arunachal Pradesh. Shifting cultivation was primarily practiced by the tribe before 1960. However, the government introduced Wet Rice cultivation and terrace cultivation soon as a part of a development program in hilly areas of the state. Wet Rice cultivation is the main cultivation style in the state besides Jhumming Cultivation, which is still practiced by the tribe.

Galo is the first language of more than 95% of the population of the Galo community. Most people from the community are bilingual with proficiency in languages such as English and Hindi.

Christianity has seen a major rise in the past few years. However, Donyi-Polo religion is mostly practiced by people here.

Language

Galo is the first language of the community, which is often referred to as Tibeto-Burman language derived from Western Tani-Branch. Genetically, the language is closest to Nyishi, Tagin, and Bokar language of Tibet China. Galo and Minyong languages have converged structurally so much so that people have started believing that Galo is a dialect of Adi language.

Festival

 Galo tribe has a distinct culture. It celebrates a number of festivals throughout a year with joy. One such religiously important festival for the tribe is Mopin that is celebrated by the community only. The festival is celebrated every year to ward off evil spirits that bring bad luck to the community. People of the Galo community pray during this festival so that natural calamity of any type does not hit them. They believe that doing this allows them to live their lives peacefully.

Rituals

Mopin festival is celebrated in the month of April (Lumi, in Galo language) every year. The main objective of celebrating this festival is to attain prosperity, gaiety, wealth, and universal happiness. People smear rice power at each other’s faces during the festival. Animal sacrifices are considered sacred and are important rituals of the festival. Mithun is an auspicious animal in the community. Hence, they are preferred for sacrifices.

One of the most iconic rituals of the festival is its folk dance. All the dancers wear their traditional costumes with multicolored beaded ornaments. People celebrate the festival with good food and rice wine.

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North east Tribal Uncategorized

Dirang Monpa, one of the major tribes of the Monpas

The Dirang Monpas are identified as the major division of the greater Monpa Tribe belonging to Tibeto – Burman language family. These tribal people are Tibetan Buddhist and inhabit the north eastern area of India. The Dirang Monpa tribe has been granted the scheduled tribe status in India. During the 1981 census, their total population was 3599, which crossed 5000 in one decade’s time.

The other name used commonly for the Diran Monpa tribe is Tsangla, which suggests that these people are maybe in some aspect, related to Tsangla tribes of Bhutan, China and India, which numbers more than 250,000 people. But when it comes to the language spoken, the difference is vast. A research has been taking place in order to determine the relationship between the two ancient tribes.

History

In India, for the most part, the Dirang Monpa people inhabit the Dirang circle which happens to be located in West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. The tribal people claim that they are the very first people who inhabited the area which takes their origin to a thousand years back. Some of their elders reveal that their forefathers originated primarily in Bhutan and they moved to India later when their native land was constantly being bombarded by the outside invasions.

Customs

When it comes to cuisines, the Monpa people survive majorly on cereals, fish, vegetables, chuung, rice, maize and wheat. Maize happens to be their staple item food. When it comes to meat, they are known to consume everything from beef, pork, mutton, yaks and mithuns to deers and in some areas, there are tribal people who eat snake as well. Bananas, apples and peaches are the fruits most consumed by them.

To perform the marriage rituals, a lama gets hired in order to consult the horoscopes and determine the most auspicious time and day for the marriage to take place. On the day of marriage, the family of the bride moves to groom’s house. The marriage is considered as a simple procedure where a lama simply places a white scarf called Katha around the necks of the bride and groom, showers blessings on the couple and in no time, the marriage formalities are completed. A huge feast is held after marriage at which all the people, including children, often become indulge in consuming copious amounts of strong rice whisky.

Lamas play many other roles as well. When a woman gives birth to a child, she is considered to be in a state of spiritual and physical pollution and nobody is allowed to visit her. On the third day, a lama is invited to name the child and prepare a horoscope for the baby. The lamas are not only present at birth, but they also carry out the funerals. When there is a death in this tribe family, ‘the body is carried to a nearby river and thrown into the water after being cut into 108 pieces as Tibetan Buddhists consider 108 to be an auspicious number. The lamas recite a prayer and on the seventh day, a tree gets erected in front of the house of the deceased to satisfy the soul.

Religion

Tibetan Buddhism has the greatest influence on the Dirang Monpa tribes. At the time of the 1981 census, 99.69 per cent of the Dirang Monpa expressed their belief in Buddhism. The previous Indian census, in 1971, had returned 100 per cent of the Dirang Monpa as Buddhists.

Culture / Belief

The Dirang Monpas feel that the caste Hindus are superior to them, while the Lish Monpas, But Monpas and Mijis are considered inferior.

Occupation

Agriculture is the chief occupation. The people practice both jhum(shifting cultivation) and settled cultivation and also domesticate yaks, cows, sheeps, pigs etc. The cattles and yak are reared for milk and meat, while the sheep is credited for producing wool and meat.

Conclusion

Northeast India boasts of incredible linguistic and cultural diversity out of which the Monpa tribes make up for five percent of the total population of tribal communities spanning the whole Arunachal Pradesh. These tribes are known for their own and unique system of the practices. The tribes are also famous for their artistic creations that include beautiful Thangka painting, carpet making, weaving, and wood carving.

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Adventure Himalayas Itinerary Relax Spiritual Hubs Travel Trends

Must Do’s at Tawang

Located in Arunachal Pradesh, Tawang is one of the most picturesque places in north-east. What makes is more beautiful is the variety of scenic landscapes you get to witness during your journey. Color, landscape changes with every curve.  From Bright yellow mustard fields merging with orchids that suddenly morph into dense forests and then to snow clad mountains. “Journeys are more important than destination”- this holds true for road trip to Tawang. Surrounded by Tibet to its north, Sela range of West Kameng to the east and Bhutan in the southwest direction in itself makes it a surreal place. Though you will be rewarded by stunning waterfalls, mesmerizing valleys, here is my quick Must-visits, while you in Tawang.

Sela Pass

Situated at the height of 13,714 ft above mean sea level, Sela pass connects Tawang to Tezpur and Guwahati and one of the highest motorable pass in the world. On the way to Sela pass is Paradise Lake. While summers at Sela Pass are not very cold, but temperature goes to as low as -10 degree in winters. The place is rightly called as “heaven on earth” due to its breathtaking views.

Tawang Monastery

As the birthplace of the sixth Dalai Lama, Tawang boasts of being the holy site for Tibetan Buddhists and a prominent center for Gelug or Gelugpa, the pre-eminent Buddhist school in Tibet. This monastery is the 2nd largest in Asia & largest in Asia, and one of the oldest monasteries as well. It is also known as Golden Namgyal Lhatse . The story behind the monastery is interesting. It is believed that Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso, could not find a suitable place for monastery, so he decided to pray for guidance. When he opened his eyes, he found his horse was on the top of hill, where present day monastery is there. It is the main venue of Torgva festival. Several manuscripts, religious books can be found in the place.

Gorichen Peak

Located at a distance of 160 Kms of Tawang, this peak has religious sentiments attached to it. It is also known as Sa-Nga Phu, which literally means the Kingdom of Deity, and is assumed that it protects the place from evils. Place is hikers’ paradise. The entire trek journey is amazing and adventurous. Once you are at the peak, the entire journey seems worth because of the splendid views.

Shonga-tser Lake

Alternatively known as Madhuri Lake, is located at a distance of 40Kms from Tawang. It is the best example of how nature changes the landscapes. It is the resultant of a massive earthquake, which was otherwise grassland for local cattle. Lake is highly photogenic and boasts of being photographer’s delight. Stroll around the lake is indeed soulful and enticing.

Nuranang Waterfalls

Located 40 Kms away from Tawang, this is another spectacular waterfall, which you will not like to miss. Known as Jang falls, due to its proximity to Jang, small township between Tawang & Bomdila..There is a Hydel power station nearby, which can be visited. River Rafting can be done in summers. For SRK fans, this is the place where Koyala was shot.

Pankang Teng Tso Lake

Surrounded by the Himalayas, Pankang Teng Tso Lake, also called as Ptso Lake is situated 17 km from Tawang. It’s all about the nature that speaks at the lake. It is frozen almost half of the year and is good ground for skiing. Calm water, moving clouds, grazing animals, all look like scenery which can be painted only in mind. Place is highly recommended for all nature shooters.

Jaswant Garh

Built in the memory of Paramvir Chakra recipient Jaswant Singh, it is a must visit place. It is believed, he still protects the Indo-China border. Apparently, he fought for 72 hrs alone during Indo-China war in 1962 and is duly respected within Indian and Chinese army fraternity.

Tawang is one place, which will always refresh you from the city buzz and offers the nature at its best. This summer, don’t wait!! Just pack your bags and go to Tawang.

 

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