Tawang, Oct 26: The Yak Mela 3.0 was conducted today at Pangkangteng Tso (PTSO), Tawang. The mela was inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner, Tawang, Namgyal Angmo, and Commander, Tawang Brigade, Brigadier Bhupal Singh, Sena Medal, in the presence of Zila Parishad Chairperson, Leki Gombu, Abbot Jamyang Choekorling Venerable Dobley Rinpoche, and other dignitaries.
The event was organized by Monyul Society, an NGO, in collaboration with the Tawang Brigade of the Indian Army and the District Administration, Tawang, with the support of Chief Minister Pema Khandu.
The mela witnessed enthusiastic participation from yak grazers across the district, who were provided with emergency tents, gumboots, solar lights, blankets, and animal feed by the National Research Centre on Yak, Dirang. Various cultural troupes, including those from the Indian Army and local artists, presented vibrant performances that added colour and joy to the event.
In her address, DC Tawang, highlighted the crucial role of the yak in the livelihood of the Brokpa nomadic community. She stated that the Yak Mela provides an important platform to understand the Brokpa way of life and to preserve both the yak species and traditional heritage through modern scientific approaches.
She emphasized that such festivals not only promote tourism but also help in boosting the local economy. The DC encouraged departments to explore yak milk products beyond traditional ghee and churpi to meet the demands of tourists and enhance Brokpa income. She also stressed on maintaining hygiene and cleanliness at tourist spots and focusing on attracting quality tourists. She lauded the organisers for successfully conducting the Yak Mela for three consecutive years and extended gratitude to the Indian Army and all supporting partners for their contribution to the welfare of Tawang’s people.
ZPC Tawang, Leki Gombu, spoke on the government’s ongoing welfare measures for Brokpas and initiatives for yak preservation.
Special Guest, Lhamo Yangchin, appreciated the organisers for their efforts in promoting Tawang through its age-old Brokpa traditions. She underscored the importance of preserving the yak and encouraging the Brokpa community to continue their rich cultural heritage.
Earlier, Festival Director Tenzin Jordan, in his welcome address, announced that the Yak Festival will now become an annual calendar event, with continued support from Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Guardian Minister of Tawang, Mama Natung. The event also included the reading of a message from the Home Minister and Guardian Minister of Tawang, delivered by Co-Director of the Yak Festival, Tenzin Lhendup.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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