Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of Tawang district, Zemithang Valley came alive with vibrant festivities as it hosted the annual Gorsam Kora Festival from March 26 to 29, 2025. This sacred event holds profound historical significance, as the valley was blessed by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama when he entered Pangchen Valley in 1959.
This year’s festival was a testament to the deep-rooted cultural and spiritual ties between India and Bhutan, with thousands of devotees—including a significant number of Bhutanese pilgrims—gathering at Gorsam Chorten, the majestic 93-foot Stupa that has stood as a beacon of Himalayan Buddhism since the 12th century AD. Built by the revered Lama Pradhar, Gorsam Chorten predates the iconic Tawang Monastery and shares a spiritual lineage with Bhutan’s Chorten Kora in Trashiyangtse, constructed in 1740.
A Sacred Gathering of Devotees and Monks
The festival commenced with an invocation by Thengtse Rinpoche, followed by solemn prayers at the revered Khinzemane Holy Tree, believed to have been planted by the 14th Dalai Lama himself. Over the three-day celebration, monks chanted sacred mantras and performed traditional Buddhist rituals, attracting pilgrims and spiritual leaders from Bhutan, Nepal, Tawang, and neighbouring regions.
This year, approximately 73 civilians from Bhutan, 15 from Nepal, and one traveller from Japan participated in the pilgrimage, enriching cross-border cultural exchanges.
A Spectacle of Culture, Tradition, and Community Engagement
The festival featured a diverse array of cultural performances, including traditional folk dances by local troupes, musical performances by the Indian Army bands, and thrilling martial arts displays such as Mallakhamb and Zanjh Pathaka by Indian Army troops.
As part of the Vibrant Villages Programme, the festival also facilitated community engagement initiatives, including medical camps, reinforcing the government’s commitment to the region’s developmen
This year, the Gorsam Kora Festival was celebrated under the theme ‘Zero Waste Festival’, highlighting a commitment to environmental sustainability. The Further and Beyond Foundation, in collaboration with the Indian Army and local administration, spearheaded cleanliness drives, ensuring the festival remained eco-friendly while preserving its cultural essence.
The Gorsam Kora Festival 2025 once again stood as a symbol of spiritual harmony, cultural unity, and enduring Indo-Bhutanese friendship, reaffirming Zemithang Valley’s place as a sacred and vibrant hub of Himalayan heritage.
