Itanagar: In a significant initiative to promote indigenous cultural heritage, a 25-member team of the Galo Welfare Society (GWS), including three women, on Wednesday set out on a five-day pilgrimage expedition to Topo Gone, a sacred site of the Galo community in Arunachal Pradesh’s Shi Yomi district.
Topo Gone, a 2,900-metre-high peak located along the McMahon Line, holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for the community and features prominently in Galo folklore and traditional narratives.
The expedition, scheduled from January 28 to February 1, is being organised by the Indian Army in collaboration with the GWS.
Brigadier Ritesh Katoch flagged off the expedition from the Aalo military station in West Siang district on Wednesday morning.
An official said the initiative marks a landmark collaboration aimed at preserving and promoting the indigenous cultural fabric of the Galo community.
Prior to the flag-off, Brigadier Katoch briefed the pilgrims on key aspects of the journey, including weather conditions and health assessments of the participants.
The Indian Army has assured that the pilgrimage will be conducted with the highest standards of safety, dignity and logistical support, the official said, adding that the effort is expected to further strengthen the bond between the armed forces and local communities.
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The expedition follows a series of coordination meetings between the GWS and the Indian Army.
As per the itinerary, the pilgrims will reach the Henkar pilgrimage hut on Thursday, proceed to Topo Gone on January 30, return to Manigong on January 31, and depart for Aalo on February 1.
