The Gorsam Kora festival is celebrated annually at Zemithang Valley in the Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh. It is popularly known as the festival of friendship between India and Bhutan. Besides celebrating the deep ties between the two countries, the festival also celebrates the shared Himalayan Buddhist cultural heritage of the region. Scroll on to know more about this.
All About Gorsam Kora Festival In Arunachal Pradesh
The Gorsam Kora festival in Arunachal Pradesh is celebrated at Zemithang annually. The valley, situated along the Nyanmjang Chu River, shares its western border with Bhutan. The place holds historical significance as the sanctuary where the 14th Dalai Lama found refuge in 1959 upon his escape from Tibet.
The annual festival celebration takes place at Gorsam Chorten, a 93-foot tall stupa built during the 12th century AD. This iconic stupa is modelled after Nepal’s famous Boudhanath Stupa and has a spiritual companion, the Chorten Kora in Trashiyangtse, Bhutan. This place is older than the Tawang Monastery.
Thousands of pilgrims, including Bhutanese nationals, gather during the Gorsam Kora festival to observe the auspicious occasion on the last day of the Lunar calendar’s first month. The festival showcases the rich cultural and religious heritage of the region.
A diverse array of events, including performances by local cultural troupes, the Indian army bands, and martial performances like Mallakhamb and Zanjh Pathaka are also organised during the festive celebrations.
More About This Year’s Celebration
This year, the Gorsam Kora festival in Arunachal Pradesh will be held from March 26 to 29. It is being organised by the Zemithang community in collaboration with civil authorities and local Indian Army units. The three-day event will commence with an invocation led by Buddhist icon Thengtse Rinpoche. Monks will chant sacred mantras and prayers, and observe traditional Buddhist rituals at the chorten.
According to the Hindustan Times, keeping the ‘Zero Waste Festival’ theme in mind, the Further and Beyond Foundation, with support from the Indian Army and local administration, will undertake a cleanliness drive during the Gorsam Kora festival.
Also Read: KJ Itineraries: Kamiya Jani Shares 10-Day Itinerary For An Unforgettable Adventure In Bhutan
When: March 26-29
Where: Gorsam Chorten, Zemithang, Arunachal Pradesh
Cover Image Courtesy: X/@prodefgau
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