Memba people

Last updated

Memba
Total population
5,000 (2011 census)
Regions with significant populations
Flag of India.svg  India (Arunachal Pradesh)
Languages
Hindi
Religion
Donyi-Polo (sun and moon), Hinduism, Buddhism

The Memba are a people of Arunachal Pradesh. The Memba population is currently around four to five thousand. Local genealogies suggested that they came from Tibet and settled in the region several centuries ago. [1]

The Membas follow Nyingmapa Tibetan Buddhism and have their own script, Hikor, which is derived from the Tibetan script. [2] In every village, there is a small Gompa presided by a Buddhist Lama. As devout Buddhists, they follow all the intricate details of rituals of Buddhist puja, hoisting at least a Buddhist prayer flag or a string of small Buddhist prayer flags in front of every household. Festivals that are celebrated by the Memba include Losar and Choskar.

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References

  1. Tai Nyori (1993). History & Culture of the Adis. Omsons Publications. p. 53. ISBN   81-7117-105-2.
  2. Colonial contact in the 'hidden land' (Pg 4)