The annual Gorsam Kora festival, a significant cultural and spiritual event celebrating the India-Bhutan friendship, drew thousands of attendees, including a notable number of Bhutanese nationals. Held from March 26 to 29 in Zemithang Valley, Tawang district, the festival highlighted the deep-rooted Himalayan Buddhist heritage shared by both nations.

A Celebration of Cultural and Spiritual Ties

The Gorsam Kora festival, a revered Buddhist tradition, takes place each year at the historic Gorsam Chorten, a 93-foot tall stupa constructed in the 12th century by the respected monk Lama Pradhar. The stupa, modelled after Nepal’s iconic Boudhanath Stupa, stands as the oldest monument in the region, even predating the famous Tawang Monastery. Its spiritual counterpart, Chorten Kora, located in Trashiyangtse, Bhutan, was built in 1740, further reinforcing the cultural bond between the two nations.

Historic and Religious Significance

The festival commenced with an invocation led by Thengtse Rinpoche, followed by solemn prayers at the sacred Khinzemane Holy Tree, which is believed to have been planted by the 14th Dalai Lama. Zemithang holds historical importance as the entry point for the Dalai Lama into India when he escaped from Tibet in 1959. The event serves as a reminder of this pivotal moment in history while fostering camaraderie among pilgrims from Bhutan, Tawang, and neighboring regions.

Vibrant Cultural Festivities and Cross-Border Exchange

Throughout the three-day festival, thousands of devotees gathered at the Gorsam Chorten to participate in traditional Buddhist rituals. Monks chanted sacred mantras and conducted religious ceremonies, drawing pilgrims and lamas from Bhutan, Nepal, and even Japan. A total of 73 civilians from Bhutan, 15 from Nepal, and one traveller from Japan engaged in trade and cultural exchange, enriching cross-border connections.

The festival featured an array of cultural and martial arts performances, with local troupes and Indian Army bands entertaining the crowds. Spectacular displays of Mallakhamb and Zanjh Pathaka added to the grandeur, while community engagement activities such as medical camps provided essential services to the residents of Zemithang Valley. The valley, with several villages nominated under the Central Government’s Vibrant Village Programme, saw increased participation in these welfare initiatives.

Commitment to Sustainability: A Zero Waste Festival

This year’s festival was celebrated under the theme of a 'Zero Waste Festival,' focusing on environmental sustainability. Cleanliness drives, spearheaded by the Further and Beyond Foundation in collaboration with the Indian Army and local administration, reinforced the commitment to maintaining the region’s natural beauty while ensuring responsible festivities.

The Gorsam Kora festival remains a testament to the enduring cultural and spiritual ties between India and Bhutan. Through religious observances, community participation, and a commitment to sustainability, the festival continues to strengthen cross-border relationships and preserve the rich Himalayan Buddhist heritage.