Why Do Monks Burn Herbs on Mountain Peaks? Here’s All About Arunachal’s Sacred Smoke Ceremony
First Published: 11th July, 2025 17:49 IST
The ritual also served to invoke protection for the remote borderland and foster well-being for all.
The serene village of Gelling in Arunachal Pradesh’s Upper Siang district came alive with devotion as the Memba Buddhist community gathered for the annual Smoke Offering Ceremony, also known as Riwo Sangchö, at the sacred Kepangla Pass. Held on the 15th day of the 5th month of the Tibetan lunar calendar, the ritual is a profound expression of spiritual faith, environmental respect, and cultural continuity.
Rooted in ancient Himalayan Buddhist traditions, the ceremony is conducted with deep reverence. Monks and lay devotees convened at the Kepangla Stupa, where they offered aromatic herbal smoke amidst chants and prayers that reverberated across the mountain valley. These offerings were made to guardian deities, enlightened beings, and all sentient life—reflecting a spiritual wish for environmental purification and universal harmony.
The rising smoke symbolised the removal of negative energies, karmic impurities, and worldly obstacles, blessing both the natural and spiritual realms. The ritual also served to invoke protection for the remote borderland and foster well-being for all.
More than a religious observance, the Kepangla ceremony is a vibrant reaffirmation of the Memba people’s ancestral ties to their land and beliefs. Their unwavering commitment to preserving this sacred tradition exemplifies cultural resilience in a rapidly changing world.
With growing recognition, the ceremony stands as a powerful model of spiritual ecology. Local officials, researchers, and cultural supporters joined the celebration this year, pledging support to safeguard and promote such invaluable indigenous heritage that unites humanity with nature and spirit.
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