Dirang
DIRANG
Dirang is a picturesque town, situated on the banks of the Kameng River, in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. Standing at an altitude of 4900 ft above sea level, it is surrounded by lush green mountains, with most of the town’s population belonging to the Monpa Tribe. Dirang’s landscape is a wonderful blend of forests, snow-capped mountains, hot springs, vast orchards, and various beautiful halts along the riverfront.
During the colonial period, the British used the town’s strategic location to support military operations during World War II. After India gained independence in 1947, it became a part of the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA). Dirang has since developed into a major town and a much-favoured tourist destination in the state. Today, it is a melting pot of diverse cultures, with people from the Monpa, Aka, Sherdukpen, and Tibetan tribes living in the town. Their cultures and traditions are reflected in the town’s architecture, cuisine, and its various festivals.
Dirang Monpas, also known as Tshangla Monpas, are one of the three major subdivisions within the Monpa tribe, and their language is almost identical to that used in eastern Bhutan. They are the largest tribe in Dirang and mostly practice Mahayana Buddhism. Initially, the Dirang Monpas practised pastoralism and trade, but have now adopted shifting cultivation and terrace farming after adapting to the hilly terrain. Dirang Monpas live in close-knit communities and domesticate animals, including yaks, cows, pigs, and sheep. Traditional houses of bamboo and timber are built on raised platforms to make levelled floors. These are usually held in the ninth month of the Buddhist calendar, Dawa Gupa (October-November), as during this period, people are free from agricultural work. Carpet-making, bamboo weaving, wood carving, thangka painting, and the making of wooden bowls are some important forms of art and craft practised in Dirang.
Dirang is best known for the Dirang Dzong. A historic fortress, it is believed to have been constructed in 1831 and is still inhabited by the local population. It is built on a hillock near the banks of the Dirang Chu River and is said to have been constructed to protect its inhabitants from invaders. Being one of the oldest Monpa structures, Dirang Dzong holds a very important place in the history of the Monpa people.
Located near the Dirang Market is the Thupsung Dhargye Ling Gompa (Monastery), a place of worship and an institute for the study of Tibetan Buddhism for monks and laypeople. It was established in 2016 and consecrated by the Dalai Lama on 5 April 2017. The Dalai Lama also gave the monastery the name ‘Place of Flourishing of the Buddha’s Speech’ in Tibetan.
The National Research Centre on Yak, established in 1989 under the aegis of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), is also located in Dirang. This centre is the sole authority for formulating research strategies for the sustainable development of Yak husbandry in the country. Monpas are a herding community, and yaks are used for transportation and as a source of food, with their milk used to make the local cheese called churpi. Its wool, hair, and felt are also used to make traditional Monpa clothes and hats. Apart from its breathtaking natural beauty, Dirang has a rich and distinct culture, which is an ode to its ancient beliefs and traditions.