Bomdila Monastery is one of the most revered monasteries of Arunachal Pradesh, which is located among the most picturesque sites. This monastery stations a number of Buddhist lamas and Monks who follow Mahayana Buddhism. This monastery was a replica of the Tsona Gontse monastery at Tsona located in southern Tibet. Bomdila Monastery was set up by the twelfth incarnation of Tsona Gontse Rinpoche. Born in Morshing in west Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh, he established the monastery in 1965 before his death in 1966. This was later on renovated and enlarged in 1997 under the supervision of 14th Dalai Lama.
Lamas in Bomdila Monastery
Bomdila Monastery comprises a prayer hall and a temple of Lord Buddha which is used by the Lamas and the monks for peace prayers; there are residential quarters for the monks as well. Besides this, the young monks are also taught to narrate the prayers and perform `tantrayana` practices and they are educated about the monastic life and tradition.
Crafts in Bomdila Monastery
The most prominent crafts are commonly found in the craft centre of Bomdila. Among the major crafts, the dragon carpets, thanka wall hangings and a number of paintings are mainly attractive in Bomdila Monastery. These reflect the craftsmanship that represents the skill of the local artists.
Festivals of Bomdila Monastery
Bomdila monastery celebrates a number of festivals. Losar is a major festival, which is celebrated during the New Year according to the Monpa calendar. This festival continues for 15 days, during which prayers are offered and colourful flags are hoisted. Saka Dawa is another festival which is celebrated during the fourth month of the lunar calendar. This marks the day of the Buddha`s enlightenment. Torgya is another major occasion which is celebrated in the third day of the eleventh month, according to the lunar calendar. This is celebrated to rejoice the victory of good over the evil. Another major festival is Dukpa Tse-Shi which is observed in the sixth month of the lunar calendar. This is celebrated to honour the first sermon delivered by Lord Buddha. There is the Lhabab Duechen festival as well, which is celebrated to mark the reincarnation of the Buddha in his Shakyamuni form; this is celebrated on the ninth month of the lunar calendar.
Other Attractions near Bomdila Monastery
Near Bomdila Monastery, there is Tipi Orchid Research Center that is situated at the bank of Bhareli River. Tipi Orchid Research Center is one of the largest Orchid centers of Asia, which has at least 500 species of Orchids. Along with this, Bhalukpong is another important tourist spot which is also closely located near Bomdila Monastery.
Visiting Information to Bomdila Monastery
Bomdila Monastery is located in a remote area, which is only connected to Arunachal Pradesh and Assam by roads. So, the monastery can be reached by local buses or rented cars.
