Itanagar, Jan 13: The sacred Parshuram Kund Mela 2026, revered as the “Kumbh of the Northeast,” was formally inaugurated on Tuesday at the Hindu pilgrimage centre in the lower reaches of the Lohit River near Wakro in Lohit district by Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, along with Lt General Abhijit S Pendharkar, General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Corps.
On the occasion, the Deputy Chief Minister unfurled the High Mast National Flag at Parshuram Kund, marking the formal commencement of the revered pilgrimage event. He offered prayers to Bhagwan Parshuram at the holy Kund and expressed hope that the festival would strengthen faith, harmony, and spiritual well-being, and bring peace and prosperity to all.
Mein also inaugurated the Parshuram Kund Guest House, describing it as a significant step towards enhancing pilgrim infrastructure and promoting spiritual tourism in Arunachal Pradesh. He said the new facility would provide comfortable accommodation for devotees and visitors, while also contributing to local employment and sustainable tourism in the region.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Chief Minister described Parshuram Kund as one of the most important spiritual centres of the State, highlighting its deep religious and historical significance. He said the Mela, celebrated annually on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, has a long and sacred tradition and attracts devotees from across the country and abroad.
He informed that the State Government has envisaged an ambitious Rs 50-crore riverfront development project for the Parshuram Kund area, aimed at improving infrastructure, safety, and pilgrim amenities. He further stated that railway connectivity is expected to reach the region in the near future, which would greatly enhance accessibility and tourism potential. With these developments, he expressed confidence that Parshuram Kund would emerge as a major hub of religious and spiritual tourism in the coming years.
Lohit Deputy Commissioner Kesang Ngurup Damo said the district administration has made comprehensive arrangements to ensure a smooth, safe, and spiritually enriching experience for pilgrims. He informed that facilities such as CCTV surveillance, public address systems, dedicated health units, and strengthened security arrangements have been put in place throughout the mela area.
The DC appealed to pilgrims and visitors to cooperate with the administration in maintaining cleanliness, discipline, and harmony to ensure the successful conduct of Parshuram Kund Mela 2026.
Held annually on Makar Sankranti, which falls on January 14–15, the Parshuram Kund Mela attracts thousands of devotees from Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and other parts of the country, reaffirming its profound spiritual, cultural, and civilisational significance.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Major General RS Chandel, GOC 2 Mountain Division, MLAs Dr Mohesh Chai (Tezu), Puinnyo Apum (Dambuk), Oni Panyang (Mariyang-Geku), and Hamjong Tangha (Changlang South), Lohit SP Thutan Jamba, senior civil and military officers, religious leaders, and thousands of devotees.