The Gorsam Kora Festival was celebrated at Zemithang in the Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh.
About Gorsam Kora Festival:
Historical Background:
- Zemithang Valley, located in the Tawang district along the Nyanmjang Chu River, is renowned for its historical significance as a refuge for the 14th Dalai Lama after he escaped from Tibet in 1959.
- It is held at the Gorsam Chorten, a 93-foot-tall Stupa built in the 13th century by Lama Pradhar.
- Stupa is older than the Tawang Monastery.
- Influenced by the architectural style of the Boudhinath Stupa of Nepal, Gorsam Chorten serves as a pivotal centre for Himalayan Buddhism.
Cultural and Religious Celebrations:
- The Gorsam Kora Festival is an annual event celebrated during the last day of the first month of the Lunar calendar, drawing thousands of devotees, including a significant number of Bhutanese nationals.
- The festival symbolizes the friendship between India and Bhutan, featuring vibrant festivities, cultural performances, and traditional Buddhist rituals.
- Activities include chanting of sacred mantras, solemn prayers, and performances by local cultural troupes and the Indian army bands.
Community and Development Initiatives:
- Organized by the local community of Zemithang with support from civil authorities and the Indian Army, the festival promotes community engagement and tourism.
- Under the theme ‘Zero Waste Festival,’ a cleanliness drive is undertaken by the Further and Beyond Foundation, emphasizing environmental sustainability.
- Zemithang Valley is part of the central government’s Vibrant Village Program, aimed at developing the region into a prime tourist destination with a focus on heritage, religious, cultural, and eco-tourism.
Impact and Participation:
- The event fosters camaraderie and cultural exchange, attracting pilgrims and Lamas from Bhutan, Tawang, and neighboring areas.
- The festival also serves as a platform for trade, with approximately 80 Bhutanese nationals visiting Gorsam Chorten for the festival and trade opportunities.
- Local initiatives, such as the establishment of homestays and the development of tourist infrastructure, including gompas and museums, are catalyzing economic growth and employment in the region.
Ref:Source
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