The breathtaking highland meadows of Pangkangteng Tso in Tawang district burst into a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds during the third edition of Yak Mela, a vibrant gathering that spotlights the unbreakable connection between the Brokpa pastoralists and their vital companions, the yaks.
The festivities kicked off with a ceremonial launch led by Tawang’s Deputy Commissioner, Namgyal Angmo, IAS, and Brigadier Bhupal Singh, Commander of the Tawang Brigade, who received warm welcomes alongside Zila Parishad Chairperson Leki Gombu, Venerable Dobley Rinpoche, Abbot of Jamyang Choekorling Monastery, and a host of esteemed guests. Spearheaded by the nonprofit Monyul Society in partnership with the Indian Army’s Tawang Brigade and local administration—bolstered by backing from Chief Minister Pema Khandu—the event drew yak rearers from every corner of the district, turning the plains into a lively hub of tradition and camaraderie.
A standout feature was the handover of practical aid from the National Research Centre on Yak in Dirang, which provided grazers with indispensable gear including portable shelters for emergencies, sturdy footwear, energy-efficient lighting, warm coverings, and nutritional supplements for livestock. The air filled with rhythmic beats as performers from army cultural units and homegrown talents delivered mesmerizing displays of age-old dances and melodies, enchanting crowds and weaving stories of resilience through song.
At its core, the mela champions the stewardship of yak herds, revives Brokpa customs, and ignites interest in off-the-beaten-path travel. It bridges ancient ways with contemporary approaches, like integrating research-driven techniques for herding, to protect this unique way of life. Deputy Commissioner Angmo captured the essence, remarking that these celebrations not only anchor the Brokpa community’s sense of self but also invigorate countryside tourism and uplift household earnings. She advocated for expanding yak-derived goods—think fresh dairy, clarified butter, and hard cheeses—to lure visitors, while underscoring the need for cleanliness and eco-friendly habits at sacred and scenic spots.
Zila Parishad Chairperson Leki Gombu spotlighted state-led programs focused on Brokpa well-being and herd sustainability, while special invitee Lhamo Yangchin applauded the team’s role in illuminating Tawang’s treasures via authentic Brokpa expressions. Co-Director Tenzin Lhendup shared a poignant note from the Home Minister and Tawang’s Guardian Minister, reinforcing official resolve to nurture the area’s cultural and natural treasures.
Looking ahead, Yak Mela secures a permanent slot in Tawang’s yearly cultural lineup, with endorsements from Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Guardian Minister Mama Natung, ensuring its legacy endures as a beacon of Himalayan pride and progress.
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