The first edition of ‘Bomdila Connect’, a cultural festival aimed at reviving Bomdila’s rich cultural, historical and tourism heritage, was held in Arunachal Pradesh’s West Kameng district.
The event brought together cultural groups, public representatives, government officials and local residents in an effort to promote the town’s unique traditions and reposition Bomdila as a major tourist destination in the state.
Addressing the gathering, Kalaktang MLA Tseten Chombay praised the initiative, saying it would help restore Bomdila’s former prominence while showcasing the region’s vibrant cultural identity.
He noted that Bomdila was once among Arunachal Pradesh’s most popular tourist destinations and had served as the headquarters of the erstwhile Kameng division. However, he observed that over the years the town had lost prominence as destinations such as Tawang, Dirang and Shergaon gained popularity among tourists.
Responding to a memorandum submitted by the Bomdila Tourism Society (BTS), which organised the festival, Chombay assured participants that he would urge the Chief Minister to make Bomdila Connect an annual event.
The 12th Guru Tulku Rinpoche said the festival was an opportunity to showcase the region’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage to visitors from across India and abroad. He stressed that preserving and regularly celebrating traditional practices would help ensure their continuity for future generations.
West Kameng Deputy Commissioner Dr. Dilip Kumar highlighted Bomdila’s rich cultural legacy and assured the district administration’s continued support for similar initiatives in the future.
Earlier, BTS adviser Tsering Wange emphasised the role of tourism in promoting cultural harmony and providing a platform to showcase the historical, cultural and spiritual heritage of the region.
The celebrations began with a colourful street carnival from the Sahara Tyre area, where numerous cultural troupes marched through Bomdila’s main market, performing traditional dances, including the iconic Snow Lion Dance, before concluding at the Thubchog Gatsel Ling Monastery.
The festival was organised jointly by the Bomdila Tourism Society, the West Kameng district administration and the Department of Tourism, with the objective of promoting sustainable tourism and preserving the region’s rich cultural traditions.
