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TEZPUR: The Gorsam Kora Festival, a revered annual event in Arunachal Pradesh’s Zemithang Valley, began today and will continue until March 29, celebrating the shared Himalayan Buddhist heritage and the enduring India-Bhutan friendship. Nestled along the Nyanmjang Chu River, Zemithang holds historical significance as the refuge of the 14th Dalai Lama in 1959 after his escape from Tibet. The festival will take place at the Gorsam Chorten, a 93-foot tall Stupa built in the 12th century by local monk Lama Pradhar. Older than the Tawang Monastery, this Stupa is modelled after Nepal’s Boudhanath Stupa and shares spiritual ties with Chorten Kora in Trashiyangtse, Bhutan. Thousands of devotees, including many from Bhutan, will gather to observe this auspicious occasion, traditionally celebrated on the last day of the Lunar Calendar’s first month. Organized by the Zemithang community in collaboration with civil authorities and supported by local Indian Army units, the festival will commence with an invocation by Padma Shri Thengtse Rinpoche. It will begin with prayers at Khinzemane Holy Tree, believed to be planted by the 14th Dalai Lama. Monks will lead sacred mantra chanting and Buddhist rituals at the chorten, with pilgrims and Lamas from Bhutan, Tawang, and neighbouring regions participating in a display of cultural and spiritual unity. The festival will also feature cultural performances, martial arts displays such as Mallakhamb and Zanjh Pathaka, and performances by Indian Army bands. Community engagement activities, including medical camps, will be conducted, aligning with the government’s Vibrant Village Programme, which aims to transform Zemithang Valley into a cultural and eco-tourism hub.
Emphasizing sustainability, the event will follow a ‘Zero Waste Festival’ initiative led by the Further and Beyond Foundation, with the support of the Indian Army and local administration. A cleanliness drive will be undertaken during the celebrations. As a part of the Vibrant Village Programme, Zemithang is being developed into a key tourist destination, focusing on its pristine landscapes and spiritual heritage. Locals are actively involved, establishing homestays for visitors with support from the Indian Army, ensuring a sustainable and immersive experience for tourists.
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