The inaugural ‘Bomdila Connect’ cultural festival was organised in Bomdila, West Kameng district, on Friday to revive the town’s rich cultural, historical, and tourism legacy. The event aims to showcase the town’s culture and traditions and help boost tourism in the area.
Kalaktang MLA Tseten Chombay lauded the initiative, saying it would undoubtedly revive the past glory of the town. He noted that Bomdila was once a popular tourist destination and district headquarters of the then Kameng division, but its popularity began to fade over time. Chombay assured that he would take up with the chief minister the matter of making Bomdila Connect an annual event, responding to a memorandum submitted by the Bomdila Tourism Society (BTS), the organiser of the event.
The 12th Guru Tulku Rinpoche said the event is meant to showcase the rich culture of the area, which attracts visitors from distant places who want to experience the culture, traditions, history, and spiritual values. He added that the continuity of cultural traditions would ensure their longevity and allow them to thrive uninterrupted.
Deputy Commissioner Dr Dilip Kumar highlighted the significance of Bomdila’s rich cultural heritage and said the district administration would extend all possible support in the days to come. BTS adviser Tsering Wange spoke on the importance of tourism, saying it helps in fostering cultural harmony among people across the globe and provides opportunities to explore and showcase the rich cultural, historical, and spiritual heritage of a place.
The event began with a street carnival from the Sahara Tyre area, featuring dozens of cultural troupes performing traditional dances, including the famed snow lion dance, and gathered at the Thubchog Gatsel Ling monastery. The event was organised in collaboration with the district administration and the Department of Tourism.
