Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Saturday virtually launched the official logo and website of Parshuram Kund Festival-2023.
Also known as the ‘Kumbh of Northeast’, the Parshuram Kund Festival, this year, will be a five-day affair, scheduled from January 12 to 16.
Parshuram Kund, located at Wakro in Lohit district, sees an annual gathering of pilgrims (from various parts of the country and abroad) who come for a holy dip at the Kund on the occasion of Makar Sankranti (which usually falls on January 15).
Later, taking to his Twitter handle, Khandu wrote, “Shimmery aqua blue water at Parshuram Kund and the holy shrine remind of sage Parshuram. Come feel vibrations of this iconic place, be part of Parshuram Kund Festival, the Kumbh of Northeast, from January 12-16.”
In a bid to woo the visitors, Khandu further said, “With improved roads, your sojourn will be of a lifetime to the place encompassed by magnificent Mishmi Hills & dense forests…Celebrate Makar Sankranti in Arunachal. We’re waiting for you.”
He said that the official website launched on Saturday will enable the administration to efficiently manage the five-day festival.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, who also attended the formal launching of official logo and website of Parshuram Kund Festival, said, “Massive transformation of the Parshuram Kund is being carried out under the PRASAD scheme to accommodate increased tourist footfalls to the picturesque destination in Lohit district and transform the sacred site into one of the biggest pilgrimage centres in NE India.”
While noting that “the tourism landscape in Arunachal is evolving and the Govt is committed to facilitate ‘ease of access’ to visitors via digital initiatives”, Mein said visitors can register for the Parshuram Kund Festival (Jan 12-16) by logging on to www.parshuram-kund.in and avail necessary information for a hassle-free trip using the website.
The launching programme was also attended by Arunachal East MP Tapir Gao, MLA Dasanglu Pul, former Minister Dr Mohesh Chai and in-charge Chief Secretary Dr Sharat Chauhan.
Lohit Deputy Commissioner Shashvat Saurabh said that Parshuram Kund pilgrimage was conducted even during the years marred by Covid restrictions.
He said this year the pilgrim footfall is expected to go upto 1.5 lakh, while informing that necessary arrangements are being made to facilitate the visiting pilgrims.
Besides the online registration facility, the DC said, pilgrim facilitation centres being set up at Dirak check gate in Namsai district, Shantipur gate in Lower Dibang Valley, Digaru and Medo check gates in Lohit district will provide temporary ILP, and all other necessary information related to the Parshuram Kund Festival.
