Buddhism in Arunachal Pradesh

The revivification of Buddhism in Arunachal Pradesh has led approximately 40% of the local folks to get converted and lead their lives according to the policy of Gautama Buddha. There are many facets of Buddhism in Arunachal Pradesh which includes Tibetan Buddhism as well as Theravada Buddhism. The former is practiced with an untiring zeal in the areas that flank the Tibet border whereas the latter flourishes in the regions of Changlang and Lohit that are jam-packed with the tribal masses who are bequeathed with a Thai-Burmese heritage.

The migrants of the Thai-Burmese chiefly include the Singpho, Zekhring, Khampti and the Chakma. But, there is another unique group of individuals regarded as the Tangsas who follow an uncanny hybrid of two different religions which are Theravada Buddhism and Donyi Poli, in which the celestial bodies like the moon and the sun are revered with great consecration and pomp.

But Buddhism at Arunachal Pradesh has been under constant threat of being completely wiped out from the face of the state as the Christian Naga have started a revolt against the practice of Buddhism.

Another wing of Buddhism in Arunachal Pradesh is Tibetan Buddhism which does not face such a trouble or threat unlike its counterpart. The individuals belonging to the Sherdukpen and the Monpa tribe chiefly practice this incarnation of Buddhism across Arunachal Pradesh and they are well-dispersed across Western Kameng and Tawang. They are so dedicated that they have also influenced the beleaguering tribes of Khowa and Miji to practice Buddhism.

Last Updated on 03 January 2011