Arunachal tourism gets facelift

Itanagar, Mar 17: The three-day mega tourism event- Buddha Mahotsava, at Chongkham in Arunachal's Lohit district, gave 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.

While the cultural fusion every evening during the festival, which concluded yesterday, showcased the ethno-diversity of the state, particularly the social fabric of the Thai-Khampti followers of Theravada Buddhism of the district, the other programmes highlighted their unique lifestyle, the rich flora and fauna, the unspoiled environment and harmonious living of the people in the 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 events including, the traditional pujas wishing for world peace by floating thousands of lamps in Berang river near peace pagoda, offering of alms and a bhava chakra (wheel of life tradionally known as khukwung) to monks and the apparel show with five colours of Buddhism- blue, white, red, green and yellow - as the theme.

Bryan Wallong, a noted choreographer and designer Monisha Karbak gave 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 the district administration conducted the camp, which witnessed long queues of people to avail treatment and free medicines.

UNI