GUWAHATI: The Indian Army facilitated the pilgrimage of residents from Gelling, Norbuling, and Tuting to the sacred Chorten at Kepang La Pass in Arunachal Pradesh on, Tuesday, June 29 as part of the Ministry of Defence's Rann Bhoomi Darshan initiative. The visit coincided with the observance of Universal Smoke Prayer Day, enabling members of the local Buddhist community to take part in traditional religious ceremonies at the border site.
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Kepang La, located along the Indo-Tibet border, holds religious significance for the local population. During the annual observance, devotees offered incense and ceremonial smoke while praying for peace, prosperity, and harmony. The Indian Army provided logistical assistance, transportation, and security arrangements for the pilgrimage.
As part of the programme, the visitors also toured the Siang Shaurya Sthal, where they paid tribute to soldiers who lost their lives during the 1962 Indo-China War. They later visited an audio-visual centre showcasing the history of Kepang La and the events of the 1962 conflict, providing participants with an overview of the region's historical and strategic importance.
The group also explored a souvenir shop featuring locally inspired artefacts and visited the newly established Kepang La Café, where traditional refreshments and local cuisine were served. The facilities have been developed to improve the visitor experience and encourage tourism in the remote border region.
For several participants, the visit marked their first opportunity to return to the sacred Chorten and explore the area's historical landmarks. According to the Indian Army, the Rann Bhoomi Darshan initiative aims to promote tourism, preserve the cultural heritage of border regions, strengthen engagement with local communities, and support socio-economic development in frontier areas.