Buddha festival at Tawang

Tawang, located along the Sino-India border in Arunachal Pradesh, is hosting the three-day Buddha Mohatsava from November 9.

Despite a cyclonic storm and torrential rain that disrupted the surface communication at Rupa on October 28, delinking both Tawang and West Kameng districts from rest of the country, the festival would be held as per schedule as the state government is working on a war footing to restore communication.

"The state government is making all an out effort to restore the road communication at the earliest", informed an official release.

Dorjee Khandu, chief minister, is believed to be in constant touch with the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) authorities, who maintain the strategic road, to monitor the progress.

 

Bandana Deori, tourism secretary of the state said that all preparations are over for the upcoming mega tourism event.

Ration sorties of Indian Air Force have been pressed into service for airdropping essential commodities in the affected districts; while over 60 stranded tourists have been evacuated and airlifter from Tawang.

Khandu, also in charge of tourism ministry, said that the 8th Buddha Mohatsava would be held as per schedule.

External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukharjee will be the chief guest of the inaugural function on November 9.

A host of other union ministers including civil aviation minister Praful Patel, minister of sate for prime minster's office, Prithiviraj Chavan, and Sikkim tourism minister are expected to attend the festival.

With Tawang drawing global attention for its enchanting scenic beauty and tourism potential, the state government is now concentrating on attracting high-end tourists.

The launch of Guwahati-Tawang Pawanhans helicopter service has a come as a boon for the state as Tawang now has an alternative, though slightly costlier, means of communication.

The state government is also pressing hard for opening of the alternative road, which connects Tawang from Rowta in Assam, via Kalaktang, Rupa and Bomdilla, for heavy vehicles.

The road was recently opened for light vehicles.