Gorzam Kora festival underway at Tawang’s Zemithang

Keeping alive the age-old tradition, the Gorzam Kora festival is being held at the 13th century-old Gorzam Stupa at the ‘Vibrant Village’ Zemithang in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh from March 18-21.
This historic festival, which showcases the rich cultural and religious heritage of the region, brings pilgrims from both India and Bhutan to the Chorten to circumambulate and pray.
The annual pilgrimage bears testimony to the historical linkages between India and Bhutan, evidenced by the spiritual connection that exists between Chorten Kora in Trashi Yangtse, Bhutan, and Gorsam Kora in Zimithang – both being modeled after the Boudanath Stupa in Nepal.
The festival was organized with the support of a local community of Zimithang, who were assisted in their endeavors by the local civil administration and the Indian Army.

The event commenced with an opening prayer by His Eminence Padam Shree Thengtse Rinpoche and prayers at Khinzemane Holy Tree. The Indian Army conducted various events including the Pipe band and martial dance performances followed by a cultural dance performance by locals.
As part of the government’s ‘Vibrant Village Program’, certain activities were also conducted to engage the local population such as the Run for ‘Plastic Free Zimithang’, Medical Camp, and a trek along the pristine Zimithang Valley.
The festival was attended by numerous pilgrims and Lamas from Bhutan, Tawang, and nearby regions. The Indian Army worked together with the local population and civil administration for the successful conduct of the festival conveying its steadfast resolve towards ensuring the integration of people living in remote areas into mainstream, as part of the national building efforts in the region.

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