Dharamshala: Artists from Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) presented exceptional Tibetan cultural performances at the International Conference on the Cultural and Historical Significance of His Holiness the Sixth Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso, held in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh.
On 19 November 2025, a delegation of twelve members from TIPA—led by the Director and accompanied by the Artistic Director and performing artists—traveled to Tawang. This participation followed an invitation from the organisers: the Department of Karmik and Adhyatmik Affairs, Government of Arunachal Pradesh; the Thubten Shedrubling Foundation; the Center for Cultural Research and Documentation (CCRD); and the Department of Cultural Affairs, Government of Arunachal Pradesh. The TIPA team was invited to present cultural performances during the International Tsangyang Gyatso Research Conference, held from 3-6 December.
On 3 December at 1:00 PM, during the opening ceremony at the Kalawangpo convention hall, the performers from TIPA presented Nangma Ja La Ja and Lha Zhung: The Story of King Kalawangpo from Drowa Zangmo, both inspired by the poetic compositions of Tsangyang Gyatso. The ceremony was graced by the Chief Guest, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Pema Khandu, along with members of the State Assembly, officials from the Mon Department of Cultural Affairs, Tulku Tenzin Gyurme Rinpoche of Mon Thubten Shedrup Ling, Secretary Yangteng Rinpoche of the Gaden Phodrang, distinguished guests, conference speakers, and over two hundred attendees. The performances ushered in an auspicious and culturally vibrant opening to the conference.
At 7:00 PM the same evening, Chief Minister Shri Pema Khandu hosted a grand dinner for conference delegates and invited guests at Vivanta Restaurant. During this event, artists from both the Mon Institute of Performing Arts and TIPA jointly presented traditional Tibetan performances, receiving high admiration from scholars, Tibetologists, and conference participants.
On 6 December at 2:00 PM, during the valedictory function held at the Kalawangpo Convention Hall, TIPA artists presented the ceremonial Repa offering. Traditionally performed by men holding bells and women carrying drums, Repa features harmonious circular formations and expressive movements that embody the vibrancy and spiritual essence of Tibetan performing arts. Artists from the Mon Institute of Performing Arts also offered distinct Mon cultural performances, adding to the richness of the program.
About six years ago, a cohort of Mon students with a keen interest in the performing arts arrived at TIPA to pursue formal training. Under the mentorship of TIPA’s faculty, they gained advanced skills in music, dance, and lhamo (Tibetan opera). Those students now teach performing arts at the Mon Institute of Performing Arts. Their joint performance with TIPA artists at the event this week marked a significant milestone for both institutions, highlighting the success of sustained cultural exchange and long-standing artistic collaboration.
– Report filed by Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts
