Arunachal's first laser show at historic Gorsam Stupa celebrates Dalai Lama's journey to India

Arunachal Pradesh hosted its first-ever laser show at the historic Gorsam Stupa, in Zemithang, Tawang, on March 26. The show was inaugurated at the 12th-century stupa, which holds immense historical significance as the first place His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama stayed in India after fleeing Tibet in 1959.
 

The Gorsam Stupa, located near Bhutan, became an emotional landmark for the Dalai Lama during his journey to India, where he sought refuge following the Chinese occupation of Tibet. He spent the first night of his stay in India at the stupa before moving to the Tawang Monastery, located 70 km southeast, on March 30, 1959. From there, he went on to meet Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in Uttarakhand. 
 

The Dalai Lama has often recalled the area "emotionally," describing it as the place where he first experienced freedom.
 

The stupa, built between the 12th and 14th centuries by the Buddhist monk Lama Sangye Pradhar, is believed to have been constructed to ward off evil spirits in the village. However, much of its history had remained shrouded in mystery, with records either lost or destroyed over time. 
 

The laser show, which tells the story of the journey to India, seeks to shed light on the rich cultural and spiritual history of the region.
 

Speaking to India Today NE, Tsering Lhamu, the Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Lumla Assembly Constituency in Tawang, spoke passionately about the significance of the laser show. She emphasised the importance of promoting spiritual tourism through the development of monasteries and stupas in the region, underscoring the role of His Holiness in spreading Buddhism throughout Tawang and West Kameng districts.  
 

"His Holiness stayed in five villages in Lumla Constituency on his way to Tawang during his escape from Tibet. This laser show is not just a celebration of his journey but a symbol of the deep connection between the region and the Buddhist faith," Lhamu stated.
 

The event is part of an ongoing effort to promote spiritual tourism in the region, with the Department of Karmik & Adhyatmik (Chos-Rig) Affairs working tirelessly to showcase Tawang’s unique spiritual heritage. This year's Gorsam Festival, which runs for three days, carries the theme of "Plastic Free, Zero Pollution" in a bid to preserve the environment while celebrating the area's spiritual significance.
 

Dignitaries from Bhutan were also in attendance, witnessing the laser show that depicted the arrival of His Holiness and the spread of Buddhism throughout Tawang, West Kameng, Arunachal Pradesh, and beyond. The event was not only a tribute to the Dalai Lama's journey but also an effort to highlight the importance of preserving the spiritual and cultural identity of the region.