The first edition of ‘Bomdila Connect’, a cultural festival aimed at reviving Bomdila’s rich cultural, historical and tourism legacy, was organised in West Kameng district on Friday, bringing together community leaders, public representatives, cultural groups and tourism stakeholders.The event, organised by the Bomdila Tourism Society (BTS) in collaboration with the district administration and the Department of Tourism, sought to promote the town’s unique traditions and strengthen its position as a key tourist destination in Arunachal Pradesh.Kalaktang MLA Tseten Chombay, who attended the inaugural programme, praised the initiative and expressed confidence that it would help restore Bomdila’s past prominence as a major tourist destination.”This event will undoubtedly revive the past glory of Bomdila. It will showcase our culture and traditions and help boost tourism,” Chombay said.
Recalling the town’s significance, the MLA said Bomdila had once been among the most visited tourist destinations in the region and had also served as the headquarters of the erstwhile Kameng division. However, he noted that over the years the town gradually lost its prominence as destinations such as Tawang, the rapidly developing town of Dirang and even Shergaon emerged as popular tourist attractions.Responding to a memorandum submitted by the Bomdila Tourism Society, Chombay assured that he would take up with Chief Minister Pema Khandu the proposal to make Bomdila Connect an annual cultural festival.Speaking on the occasion, the 12th Guru Tulku Rinpoche said the festival was intended to showcase the region’s rich cultural heritage to visitors from across India and abroad.”People come here not only to visit a new destination but also to experience our rich culture, traditions, history and spiritual values,” he said, adding that preserving and continuing cultural traditions would ensure they remain alive for future generations.
West Kameng Deputy Commissioner Dr Dilip Kumar highlighted Bomdila’s rich cultural heritage and assured that the district administration would extend all possible support to strengthen such initiatives in the coming years.Earlier, Bomdila Tourism Society adviser Tsering Wange underlined the importance of tourism in promoting cultural harmony among people from different parts of the world. He said tourism provides an opportunity to preserve and showcase the cultural, historical and spiritual heritage of a region while contributing to local development and community participation.The celebrations began with a colourful street carnival from the Sahara Tyre area, where dozens of cultural troupes marched through the main market, presenting traditional performances, including the famous Snow Lion Dance, before converging at the Thubchog Gatsel Ling Monastery for the main event.
