Gangjong Doeghar

In 1994, a group of Tibetan exiles in Kalimpong, India — led by the legendary artist A. Dogah (Chime Dorjee) — founded Gangjong Doeghar to preserve the performing arts traditions that were being lost in exile. A. Dogah had fled Tibet in 1959 and spent decades mastering and teaching Tibetan opera (Lhamo), traditional dance, music, and costume-making. He was renowned for his snow lion and yak costumes, his revival of Tibetan opera forms, and his tireless dedication to passing these traditions to younger generations.

Since its founding, Gangjong Doeghar has delivered over one thousand performances across India, Nepal, Bhutan, and internationally. The group has trained more than 235 young artists in traditional Tibetan performing arts — opera, folk dance, instrumental music, and ceremonial performance. When A. Dogah passed away in 2019, his son Samdup Tsering took over as Program Director, continuing his father's life work.

Terma Heritage Foundation's partnership with Gangjong Doeghar is one of our most important cultural commitments. We ensure that they can continue training the next generation. When a child in Kalimpong learns to perform Tibetan opera, they are carrying forward a tradition that stretches back centuries. That tradition must not end.