In a significant development, the government of Arunachal Pradesh is set to turn the historic escape trail of the Dalai Lama into a spiritual and religious tourism circuit. This initiative aims to enhance the spiritual and cultural heritage of the region by highlighting the journey of the Tibetan spiritual leader when he sought refuge in India in 1959.
A Trail of Peace and Spirituality
According to PTI, the project focuses on the route taken by the Dalai Lama during his escape from Lhasa, amidst the Chinese threat to Tibet. The journey, which leads through the lesser-known region of Lumla in the Tawang district, is poised to gain national recognition as a significant spiritual site. The Public Works Department of Arunachal Pradesh spearheads this initiative, promising to enrich the spiritual tapestry of the region.
Tsering Lhamu, the MLA of Lumla, in a statement to PTI, shared insights into the development plans. “We are developing the escape trail of His Holiness into a religious and spiritual tourism circuit which is going on. As many as five monoliths will be constructed in each place where the Dalai Lama spent the night during his journey to India from Tibet,” Lhamu stated.
Monuments and Museums to Chronicle the Journey
The trail includes several key sites like the ‘Lhasa Dwar’, a small gate symbolizing the Dalai Lama‘s entry point into India, and the ‘Holy Tree’, believed to have grown from a staff planted by the Dalai Lama himself. These sites, along with the Gorsam Chorten and other significant locations, will be part of the spiritual circuit, offering visitors a glimpse into the Dalai Lama’s journey and the rich Buddhist culture of the region.
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Furthermore, the construction of a museum in Lumla will showcase artefacts related to the Dalai Lama, enriching the narrative of his escape and subsequent asylum in India. This museum, along with the development of two gompas in Thonglek and Lumla, is part of the broader project to promote religious and spiritual tourism in Arunachal Pradesh.
A Boost for Tourism and Economy
The development of this spiritual circuit is expected to attract tourists from across the globe, thereby boosting the local economy and promoting the cultural heritage of Arunachal Pradesh. The initiative is supported by the Swadesh Darshan scheme of the Union Tourism Ministry, which focuses on the development of thematic circuits across India.
The scheme has already facilitated the construction of a 113-feet Maitreya Buddha statue at Buri, along the Indo-Bhutan border, further enhancing the spiritual appeal of the region. With an allocation of Rs 49.77 crore in 2014-15 and an additional Rs 97.14 crore in 2015-16 for circuit development, the project aims to provide comprehensive facilities for visitors, including accommodation, cafeterias, and connectivity.
Celebrating Natural and Spiritual Heritage
Zemithang, not only a site of spiritual significance but also a haven for naturalists and ornithologists, hosts the annual Kora festival, attracting tourists from Nepal and Bhutan. The region’s biodiversity, especially the presence of the Black-necked crane, revered by Tibetan Buddhists as a symbol of peace, adds to the spiritual and ecological value of the circuit.
As the project unfolds, Arunachal Pradesh is set to become a pivotal destination for those seeking spiritual solace and an understanding of the Dalai Lama’s legacy. The development of the Dalai Lama‘s escape trail as a spiritual circuit underscores the region’s commitment to preserving its religious heritage and promoting peace and spirituality.
This initiative, as reported by PTI, not only commemorates the historical journey of the Dalai Lama but also celebrates the rich cultural and spiritual traditions of Arunachal Pradesh, offering a unique blend of religious tourism and natural beauty to visitors from around the world.
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