GONPA

Arunachal Pradesh chief minister inaugurated the Shar Nyima Tsho Sum Namyig Lhakhang (Gonpa) at Gyangkhar village.

Key details:

Gyangkhar village is located at Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh.
The Gonpa has a great historical importance for for the people of Shar Nyima Tsho Sum.
The 11- 12th century Gonpa was on the verge of collapse but was renovated.
The sacred place has been restored with new structure.

What is a Gonpa?

A Gönpa, also known as ling, is a Buddhist ecclesiastical fortification of learning, lineage and sadhana.
It may be understood as a conflation of a fortification, a vihara and a university associated with Tibetan Buddhism.
It is common in historical Tibetan regions including parts of China, India, Nepal, and Bhutan.
Gonpa may also refer to a meditation room, without the attached living quarters, where practitioners meditate and listen to teachings.

Architectural design:

Design and interior details vary from region to region.

Saurashtra Sangamam

3,000 people from Tamil Nadu to attend 10-day Saurashtra Sangamam
Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam is unique exercise to facilitate a consistent and improved exchange between individuals from diverse regions and lifestyles.
It is an initiative of the ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ program.
It has been organized to facilitate a reunion with their ancestral homeland and explore aspects such as industry, handloom, education, culture, and sports.
This event will take place at multiple locations in Gujarat such as Somnath, Dwarka and the Statue of Unity at Kevadia.

Historical significance:

Centuries ago, invasions between 600 and 1000 years ago forced numerous individuals to migrate from Saurashtra in Gujarat and establish new settlements in Tamil Nadu’s districts around Madurai, now known as Tamil Saurashtrian.
Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam is a distinctive fusion of two diverse cultures and heritage.

Participation:

The 10-day Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam will see nearly 3,000 people from Tamil Nadu, mostly Gujaratis settled in the southern State, participate.

Aim:

The festival aims to showcase age-old ties and cultural links between the two coastal States of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.
It also aims to preserve and promote the rich culture & heritage of Saurashtra and Tamilnadu
It aims to reconnect Tamil-speaking migrants from Saurashtra with their roots and foster participation in cultural exchange between Saurashtra and Tamil Nadu.

What it will entail?

The event will feature an exhibition of Tamil Nadu and Gujarat’s art, culture, cuisine, handlooms, handicrafts, and more.
Additionally, cultural performances, such as classical dance and music, folk music, concerts, and debates and seminars on the Ramayana and Mahabharata available in Tamil, Saurashtra, and Gujarati literature.

SOURCE: THE HINDU, THE ECONOMIC TIMES, PIB

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