India and Bhutan commemorate Friendship Day
New Delhi: The Gosam Stupa in Zemitang in Arunachal Pradesh hosts the Gosam Kola event, often described as a celebration of friendship between India and Bhutan.
India’s last administrative district on the Tibetan border is Zemitang village in Tawang district. Bhutan and India share a border to the west.
In addition, it is also the place where the 14th Dalai Lama first rested after he fled Tibet in 1959.
Pilgrims from India and Bhutan travel for the revered Gosamkola festival, which highlights the region’s rich cultural and religious heritage. The three-day celebration took place from Tuesday, March 18-21.
The Boudhanath Khasti Stupa in Nepal provided the inspiration for the construction of the 93-foot-tall Gorsam Chorten Stupa in the 13th century AD. During the Gozamkola festival, thousands of devotees come to watch the auspicious event on the last day of the first lunar month.
The festival is organized by the local Zemithang community with the assistance of the civilian government and the Indian Army. His Holiness Shree Tanglze Rinpoche presided over a prayer ceremony in front of the sacred Kingzemani tree, kicking off the festivities.
The Kanazawa Mani tree is believed to have been planted during the 14th Dalai Lama’s visit to India in 1959. The Indian Army held a series of events such as brass band and martial arts demonstrations. This is followed by a cultural dance performance by the locals.
As part of the government’s Vibrant Villages programme, activities involving local people have included campaigns for a ‘plastic-free Zemithang’, medical camps and treks through the pristine Zemithang valley. Many pilgrims and lamas from Tawang and surrounding areas of Bhutan participate in the festival.
Also read: Meghalaya: Two jailed in Ri-Bhoi farmer murder case
Also watch: