The historic Gorsam Stupa in Zemithang, Tawang, hosted the first-ever laser performance in Arunachal Pradesh. The 12th-century stupa, which has great historical value as the original location, hosted the show’s premiere. After escaping Tibet in 1959, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama remained in India. When the Dalai Lama traveled to India to seek safety after the Chinese annexation of Tibet, the Gorsam Stupa, which is close to Bhutan, became a poignant landmark for him.
On March 30, 1959, he moved to the Tawang Monastery, 70 km southeast, after spending the first night of his stay in India at the stupa. He then traveled to Uttarakhand to meet with Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. The Dalai Lama has frequently spoken of the region “emotionally,” stating that it was there that he first felt free. The Buddhist monk Lama Sangye Pradhar is credited with building the stupa between the 12th and 14th centuries with the intention of warding off evil spirits in the hamlet.
The laser show in Tawang, India, reveals the region’s rich cultural and spiritual history. Tsering Lhamu, the MLA for Lumla Assembly Constituency, highlighted the importance of promoting spiritual tourism and the role of His Holiness in spreading Buddhism. The Gorsam Festival, featuring the theme “Plastic Free, Zero Pollution,” aims to preserve the environment while celebrating the region’s spiritual significance. The event also honors the Dalai Lama’s journey and the region’s spiritual identity.
