The year in colour, dance and prayer.
The Monpa community of Tawang celebrates a variety of festivals through the year — each one steeped in tradition and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Monpa people. Time your stay well and you may catch one of these three.
Tawang Festival
A colourful and vibrant celebration held annually in the Tawang district and organised by the district administration — a showcase of the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Held over three days, the festival brings a wide variety of cultural programmes and activities: traditional dances, music performances by Bollywood and local singers, and competitions in traditional sports such as archery.
Torgya Festival
One of the most important festivals celebrated by the Monpa community, held annually at the Tawang Monastery. The three-day celebration includes religious rituals, traditional dances, and the unfurling of a large thangka — a painted or embroidered religious banner.
The Torgya Festival is said to bring good luck and prosperity to the community, and is attended by people from all over the district. It is a perfect opportunity to experience the culture and traditions of the place.
Losar Festival
Losar is the traditional New Year festival, celebrated by the people of Tawang. It typically falls in February or March and is celebrated over a period of several days.
Losar is a time for family and friends to come together, and it is traditional to exchange greetings and gifts. Many people also visit monasteries and temples to offer prayers and make donations — a vibrant, colourful spectacle for visitors and locals alike.
Planning around a festival? Dates shift each year with the lunar calendar. Tell us when you hope to visit and we will confirm what falls within your stay — and arrange a good vantage point for the processions.