Monpa Ritual Music

Monpa are the largest Buddhist tribe in Arunachal Pradesh. They belong to the Gelugpa or Nyangmapa sects of Tibetan Buddhism. The most elaborate art form of this tribe is the ritual music performed by the monks of the Tawang Gompa. Although the musical framework is generally similar within the sacred music of Tibetan Buddhism, there are differences between the sects. As the Tawang Gompa belongs to the Gelugpa sect, the music is similar to other monasteries belonging to the same group. In addition to differences among sects, there are regional differences in playing modes and use of instruments. Usually rituals are performed according to festivals fixed in the Tibetan calendar. Festivals and rituals of the Gelugpa Buddhist sect are conducted in the Tawang Gompa. The researchers had the chance to record essential parts of the Dukar Dorjeen, Gang-Su and Sangwa duiba rituals. The Monpa consider the Tawang Gompa, the largest and the most important monastery in the district, their religious centre.

Track Listing

101	Dukar Dorjeen Ritual Music (Monpa Ritual music for the goddess Dukar)	Monks of the Tawang monastery	10:41
102	Sangwa duiba (Monpa Ritual music for the goddess Sangwa Duiba)	Monks of the Tawang monastery	07:34
103	Gupa Ihabab duechen ritual music (Monpa Ritual music to celebrate the Buddhist holiday of Gupa Lhabap Duechen)	Monks of the Tawang monastery	04:24
104	Gang-Su Ritual - Gyaling (Monpa Ritual Music to announce the Gang-Su ritual by playing the gyaling)	Monks of the Tawang monastery	06:32
105	Gang-Su Ritual - Dah drum (Monpa Ritual Music to announce the Gang-Su ritual by playing the dah)	Monks of the Tawang monastery	04:44
106	Gang-Su Ritual - Dungkhar (Monpa Ritual Music to announce the Gang-Su ritual by playing the dung khar)	Monks of the Tawang monastery	03:26
107	Achi Lhamo dance music (Tibetan opera music performed by the Monpa)	Sangey Tarshi and various artists	05:45
108	Appa Cham dance music (Tibetan sacred dance music performed by the Monpa)	Gen Raumgey and group	04:15