Itanagar: The three-day Gorsam Kora Festival, a cherished annual celebration symbolizing the deep-rooted friendship between India and Bhutan, concluded on March 29 in Zemithang, Tawang district.
This year’s festival was spearheaded by Lungla MLA Tsering Lhamu, who championed the cause of sustainable celebrations, ensuring the festival adhered to a Zero Waste initiative.
The festival, held annually at the historic Gorsam Chorten, a 93-foot-tall stupa dating back to the 13th century, is a revered event for the Himalayan Buddhist community. The chorten shares spiritual ties with Bhutan’s Chorten Kora, built in 1740. The event saw the participation of monks, pilgrims, and Lamas from Bhutan, Nepal, Dirang, Tawang, and neighboring regions.
Around 40 Bhutanese civilians attended the festival, leveraging the event as an opportunity for cross-border trade and cultural exchange. The Indian Army and local cultural troupes added to the festival’s vibrancy with captivating performances, including traditional Buddhist chanting and rituals, cultural dance performances, martial arts showcases, and musical performances.
Beyond the celebrations, the festival also emphasized community welfare, with initiatives like free medical camps benefiting the local population. Under the leadership of MLA Tsering Lhamu, the festival embraced an eco-conscious approach, reinforcing the importance of a plastic-free celebration.
A dedicated clean-up drive, supported by volunteers, local authorities, and the Indian Army, ensured that the event left behind no environmental footprint. The festival’s Zero Waste initiative was a resounding success, serving as a model for sustainable celebrations in the region.
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