JANG, Mar 30: The monastic dances, especially the dance of deities Palden Lhamo and Gonpo or Mahakala, were introduced for the first time in Jang Palpung Zangdok Palri monastery, in Tawang district on Thursday.
The villagers of Jang and its surrounding areas gathered in huge numbers to witness the monastic dances and take blessings.
Beginning Thursday, the tradition of performing these monastic dances would be done every 11-12 lunar months in the coming years, informed Khenpo Ngima Tashi, the chief monk of the monastery.
Tawang DC Kesang Ngurup Damo along with ZPC Leki Gombunand others also attended the function.
In his address, the DC commended Khenpo Ngima Tashi and sangha community for the hard work they have put in to learn and manage the costumes of the monastic dance.
He stressed on preservation of culture and tradition and asked the younger generation to speak and promote their mother tongue saying that other languages could be learned in educational institutions, but one’s own mother tongue could be learnt at home and within the community only.
The DC and the ZPC later distributed blankets and jackets to all the monks of Jang Palpung monastery, which were sponsored by a Gurgaon based NGO – The Hans Foundation and supported by Arunodaya Welfare society. (DIPRO)