ZEMITHANG, Apr 3: Zemithang is one of the last administrative headquarters of India located along the Indo-Tibet border. The area is traditionally known as PANG-CHHEN, which means the people living in this area have taken vow not to commit the 10 major sins as per Buddha's teachings and the people are called as Pangchenpas.
Historically, the six cluster of villages known as Pangchhen Ding gro formed the Pangchhen Tso.
It is believed that the first queen of Monpa King, Kalawangpo was from Zemithang area. Her name was Hachang, but it is said that queen Hachang was a demigoddess.
The Gorzam Stupa at Gorzam village is one of the oldest monuments which dates back to 12th century AD. This stupa was constructed by one Sangey Drathar of Kharman village. It is believed that an evil spirit (Sada Dugpachen) had been creating nuisance to the public using Gorza- a stone bridge over Nyamjang River, so to subdue that evil spirit Sangey Drathar constructed a stupa over that stone bridge.
The Lumpo/Lhunpo village in Zemithang circle is an example of tobacco free village. Nawang Chotta, the Gaon burah of this village for the last 35 years, proudly informs that he and his villagers are following the instructions given to them by their forefathers and religious gurus by not using any kind of tobacco product in their village. “Tobacco is harmful for humans as well as all sentient beings that come in contact with it. It is a sin for us to use this poison,” he said.
Kenzamani in Zemithang is the place from where His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama Gyalwa Tenzin Gyatso entered India on 31st March 1959 leaving behind his country. A beautiful tree at Gorong Kukpa, which the locals believe is the walking stick used by His Holiness in his long journey from Lhasa to Kenzamani, attracts a lot of people who come and seek blessings from it.
Besides all these, Zemithang valley has beautiful natural sceneries, the black necked cranes migrate to Brokyenthang village adding more colour to its beauty.
The Baa-Chham, Shawa Chham, and unique Aji lhamo dance are some of the most beautiful dances performed by almost every village of Zemithang.
Some of the historical figures who contributed in making of the present Zemithang and Tawang were tantrik mahasiddhas Terton Jigme Lingpa, Lama Teugyi Purgyen, Khenpo Choitsal Rabjor and Sangey Drathar etc.
Zemithang is now covered under a vibrant village programme and with this, the Tawang district administration is geared up to facilitate tourists visiting the place. The Indian army and other security forces are also extending cooperation in making Zemithang vibrant. (DIPRO)