Sonia to attend Buddha Mahotsava on November five

Itanagar, Nov 02 (UNI) AICC President Sonia Gandhi will attend the inaugural function of the sixth Buddha Mahotsava to be held in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh from November five next.

Besides visiting the world famous Tawang Monastery, Mrs Gandhi would also lay foundation stones of 1500 mw Tawang hydro-electric project of National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC), College of Science and Technology and College of Arts and Commerce at Tawang, informed official sources here today.

Chief Minister Gegong Apang went to Tawang yesterday on a day-long visit to personally inspect the preparations for the forthcoming four-day mega tourism event.

The chief minister also had on the spot discussion on various matters at the festival ground with power Minister Dorjee Khandu, who is the chairman of the organising committee. He further abreast himself with the security arrangements and witnessed the rehearsal of various cultural troupes.

Mr Khandu informed the chief minister that more than 130 troupes from different parts of the district and the state besides Bhutan would be participating in the festival.

Union Power Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and DoNER Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar would also be participating in the mega tourism extravaganza sources informed adding, 'Sebang' and 'Choeskhar' (religious procession and chanting of prayers) for world peace, cultural shows of different tribes in addition to traditional folk dances, songs and opera of Monpa tribe.

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