Many from Bhutan traveled to Tawang this past week for the joyous Gorsam Kora festival, a beautiful celebration of our shared heritage with India. From March 7th to 10th, the Zemithang valley echoed with prayers, music, and the joyful spirit of community.
The festival began with a special invocation led by the esteemed Thengtse Rinpoche. We then paid our respects at the Khinzemane holy tree, believed to be planted by the 14th Dalai Lama himself. This act set the tone for a deeply spiritual event.
Over the four days, monks performed traditional Buddhist rituals and chanted sacred mantras at the Gorsam Chorten. It was a time for reflection, prayer, and strengthening our connection to our faith.
But the festival wasn’t just about spiritual renewal. It was also a wonderful opportunity to connect with our Bhutanese brothers and sisters residing in Tawang, as well as pilgrims and lamas from neighboring regions. Around 40 Bhutanese citizens came specifically for the religious aspects of the festival, while another 40 took advantage of the occasion to engage in trade.
The organizers truly outdid themselves this year. We were treated to vibrant performances by local cultural troupes and the Indian Army bands. There were even displays of traditional martial arts like mallakhamb and zanjh pathaka, adding a touch of excitement to the festivities.
This year, the festival embraced the concept of a “zero waste” event. The Further and Beyond Foundation organized a cleanliness drive, ensuring the celebration was respectful of our beautiful environment.
There’s also exciting news for future travelers! Lumpo village GB Nawang Chota shared that the Zemithang valley, with its breathtaking scenery and peaceful atmosphere, is poised for a tourism boom. As part of a vibrant village program, the area is being developed as a major tourist destination. Imagine exploring two new gonpas in Thonglek and Lumla, or visiting a museum dedicated to the Dalai Lama! Zemithang is transforming into a hub for heritage, religion, culture, and eco-tourism, offering something for everyone.
The Gorsam Kora festival was a wonderful reminder of the strong bond we share with India, and the rich cultural heritage woven throughout the Himalayas. If you haven’t experienced this special event yet, be sure to add it to your calendar for next year!
