Itanagar, Jun 30: In a unique blend of faith, heritage and patriotism, the Indian Army’s Spearhead Division under the Spear Corps facilitated a pilgrimage for residents of Gelling – the first village of India, along with villagers from Norbuling and Tuting, to the sacred Chorten at Kepang La Pass as part of the Defence Ministry’s flagship Rann Bhoomi Darshan initiative.
The visit coincided with the observance of the century-old Universal Smoke Prayer Day, reaffirming the Indian Army’s commitment to preserving the rich cultural heritage of India’s frontier communities while strengthening civil-military bonds.
Nestled along the Indo-Tibet border, Kepang La holds profound spiritual significance for the local Buddhist community. Villagers gathered at the revered Chorten to offer incense and ceremonial smoke prayers, seeking peace, prosperity, protection and harmony for all living beings.
The Army provided logistical support, safety arrangements and coordination for the pilgrimage, enabling devotees to participate in the religious observances with ease and dignity.
Set against the backdrop of the Himalayas and fluttering prayer flags, the event highlighted the cultural and spiritual traditions of the frontier communities while reinforcing the bond between the Indian Army and local residents.
As part of the Rann Bhoomi Darshan programme, participants also visited the Siang Shaurya Sthal, where they paid homage to soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the 1962 Indo-China War. The visit offered villagers an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices of the armed forces and deepened their appreciation of the nation's border security.
The visitors were also taken to a state-of-the-art audio-visual facility, where they viewed presentations on the history of Kepang La and the events surrounding the 1962 war. The immersive experience provided valuable insights into the region's strategic significance and historical legacy.
In addition, participants explored a souvenir shop featuring locally inspired memorabilia and artefacts that celebrate the heritage and traditions of the border region. They also enjoyed traditional refreshments and local cuisine at the newly established Kepang La Café, which aims to promote tourism and community engagement in the remote frontier area.
For many villagers, the pilgrimage marked their first opportunity to revisit the sacred Chorten and experience the historical and cultural attractions developed at Kepang La. The initiative strengthened their connection with the nation's frontiers while fostering a deeper understanding of the region's heritage.
According to the Army, the Rann Bhoomi Darshan initiative seeks to promote tourism, cultural preservation and socio-economic development in border areas by encouraging greater public engagement with historically significant frontier locations.
The programme reflects the Indian Army's continued efforts to support cultural traditions, strengthen national integration and contribute to the inclusive development of India's border communities.