Arunachal tourism gets face lift with Buddha Mahotsava

Itanagar, Mar 17: The three-day mega tourism event-Buddha Mahotsava, which concluded on March 16 last at Chongkham in Arunachal's Lohit district, has given the much desired thrust to the high potential tourism sector with Thai Ambassador to India Chirasak Thanesnant announcing exchange programmes in the fields of tourism, trade and science.

The cultural fusion every evening during the festival showcased the ethno-diversity of the state, particularly the social fabric of Thai-Khampti followers of Theravada Buddhism of Lohit district; while other programmes highlighted their unique lifestyle, the rich flora and fauna, the biodiversity richness, the unspoiled environment and harmonious living of the people in Lohit Valley.

The festival gave enough opportunities to over 1.4 lakh people from all walks of life, including tourists from neighbouring states besides foreign tourists from Germany, Australia, America and Thailand, who thronged the venue to explore this Himalayan state.

The festival also reflected Lord Budha's preaching of non-violence, peace and compassion in many an events, starting from traditional pujas to world peace prayer by floating thousands of illuminating lamps in Berang river near peace pagoda, offering of alms to monks and a bhava chakra or the wheel of life tradionally known as khukwung and the apparel show with five colours - blue, white, red, green and yellow - of Buddhism as the theme.

Bryan Wallong, a noted choreographer and designer Monisha Karbak had given a new touch to the ethnic fashion show sans vulgarity.

As many as 2,300 patients benefited from a free medical camp organised at the venue by 82 Mountain Brigrade under 15 Maratha Light Infantry Regiment of Indian Army. Six of its doctors and a doctor from district administration conducted the camp, which witnessed long queues of people to avail treatment and free medicines.

UNI