Vinod Bhat
New Delhi: The Sacred Exposition of the Holy Relics of Shakyamuni Buddha at Gaden Namgyal Lhatse (Tawang Monastery) has become a significant occasion of spiritual devotion and reverence for devotees from Tawang and neighbouring regions of Arunachal Pradesh. During the first three days of the exposition, the monastery witnessed a large gathering of devotees, with long queues of people waiting to have a glimpse of the sacred relics, offer prayers and pay homage. The participation reflects the deep faith and devotion of the people towards Lord Buddha and his timeless teachings.
The exposition has been made accessible to Buddhist monks, senior citizens and the general public, providing devotees with an opportunity to pay homage to the sacred relics and experience their spiritual significance. It has also offered a rare opportunity for people to reconnect with the Buddha’s enduring message of compassion, peace, wisdom and universal brotherhood.
Alongside the sacred exposition, visitors are being provided an opportunity to explore the rich heritage and diverse dimensions of Buddhist civilization through two special exhibitions. The exhibition titled ‘Unearthing the Sacred Piprahwa: The Story of the Holy Buddha Relics and Their Discovery’ Conducted by The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), traces the archaeological history of the Piprahwa relics, highlighting their discovery in 1898 and their significance in Buddhist history. Another exhibition, ‘Crossroads of Dhamma: Classical Legacies, Living Art, and Anthropological Perspectives’, curated by the National Museum, New Delhi, showcases the historical, artistic and cultural evolution of Buddhism. Together, these exhibitions provide visitors with deeper insights into the rich and enduring legacy of Buddhism.
The sacred relics of Shakyamuni Buddha, brought from the National Museum, New Delhi, were ceremonially received by the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Pema Khandu, at the historic Tawang Monastery. The occasion was attended by Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, along with venerable Buddhist monks, religious leaders and devotees, marking the commencement of the exposition in the state.
The exposition will continue at Tawang Monastery until November 7, 2026. Thereafter, the sacred relics will be taken to TGL Monastery (Lower Gompa), Bomdila, where they will be open for public veneration from November 8 to 13, 2026. The exposition will subsequently move to the Golden Pagoda, Namsai, from November 14 to 20, 2026. The sacred relics are scheduled to return to the National Museum, New Delhi, on November 21, 2026.
