The scenic high-altitude plains of Pangkangteng Tso (PTSO) in Tawang erupted with vibrant festivities on Sunday, October 26, as Yak Mela 3.0 took place, celebrating the enduring connection between the Brokpa nomadic community and their yaks. The festival was inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo, IAS, alongside Commander of the Tawang Brigade, Brigadier Bhupal Singh, Sena Medal, and attended by Zila Parishad Chairperson Leki Gombu, Venerable Dobley Rinpoche, and other dignitaries.
Organized by the Monyul Society, an NGO, in collaboration with the Tawang Brigade of the Indian Army and the District Administration, the event received support from Chief Minister Pema Khandu. Its goal was to promote yak conservation, showcase Brokpa traditions, and enhance tourism in the region.
The mela witnessed enthusiastic participation from yak herders across the district. The National Research Centre on Yak in Dirang provided vital items such as emergency tents, gumboots, solar lights, blankets, and animal feed to the grazers. Cultural performances by troupes from the Indian Army and local artists brought the festive spirit alive with colorful traditional dances and songs.
In her keynote address, Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo highlighted the critical role of yaks in sustaining the livelihoods of the Brokpa nomadic community. She stated that Yak Mela serves as an essential platform for celebrating, conserving, and modernizing traditional yak-rearing practices through scientific methods. “Such festivals not only safeguard the cultural identity of the Brokpa people but also strengthen rural tourism and local economies,” she noted. The DC urged stakeholders to diversify products like yak milk, ghee, and churpi to attract tourists and boost community incomes while stressing hygiene and sustainable tourism practices at cultural and natural sites.
Zila Parishad Chairperson Leki Gombu underscored government initiatives aimed at supporting the welfare of Brokpas and preserving yak populations. Special Guest Lhamo Yangchin commended the organizers for showcasing Tawang’s rich cultural heritage through Brokpa traditions.
Earlier, Festival Director Tenzin Jordan announced that the Yak Mela will now be an annual feature in Tawang’s cultural calendar, with backing from Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Guardian Minister Mama Natung. A message from the Home Minister and Guardian Minister of Tawang, read by Co-Director Tenzin Lhendup, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preserving the region’s cultural and ecological wealth.
The successful conclusion of Yak Mela 3.0 reaffirmed Tawang’s dedication to blending tradition with modernity while celebrating its rich Himalayan heritage.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/arunachal-pradesh/story/arunachal-pangkangteng-tso-comes-alive-as-yak-mela-30-showcases-brokpa-legacy-1295513-2025-10-26?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-10-26 20:52:00
