Gorsam Kora Festival: Celebrating Himalayan Heritage and India-Bhutan Unity

The Gorsam Kora festival in Arunachal Pradesh unites thousands, celebrating Himalayan Buddhist culture and India-Bhutan friendship. The event, marked by spiritual rituals, cultural performances, and community engagement, emphasizes environmental sustainability. Zemithang Valley hosts the festival, highlighting its historical and cultural significance.

The Gorsam Kora festival in Arunachal Pradesh drew thousands, including many Bhutanese nationals, to celebrate the rich Himalayan Buddhist heritage and the strong India-Bhutan diplomatic ties. This year, the festival was held from March 26 to 29 in the Zemithang Valley of the Tawang district.

Organized by the local community with civil authorities and the Indian Army's support, the event began with sacred rituals led by Thengtse Rinpoche at the Khinzemane Holy Tree, believed to be planted by the 14th Dalai Lama. Zemithang holds historic significance as the entry point of the Dalai Lama into India during his 1959 escape from Tibet.

A highlight is the Gorsam Chorten, a 12th-century stupa older than Tawang Monastery and symbolizing Himalayan Buddhism. The festival featured traditional Buddhist rituals and cultural exchanges, fostering cross-border trade and community engagement, including a focus on sustainability with 'Zero Waste Festival' initiatives.

(With inputs from agencies.)