New Delhi [India], November 15 (ANI): The Sacred Relics of Shakyamuni Buddha arrived at Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh, on Saturday, marking the commencement of the third and final phase of their exposition in the State.
Sacred Relics were ceremonially received and enshrined at the Golden Pagoda (Kongmu Kham), one of the prominent centres of Buddhist faith and heritage in eastern Arunachal Pradesh.
According to the press release by the Ministry of Culture, the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, Lt Gen Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik (Retd.), received the Sacred Relics at Nalung Helipad in Namsai. He was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, State Ministers, public representatives and religious leaders.
Devotees and members of the local community gathered along the ceremonial route to the Golden Pagoda to pay their respects to the Sacred Relics.
The exposition was formally inaugurated at the Golden Pagoda following the reception and enshrinement ceremony. The Governor graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Raghav Prasad Bhatnagar, Director General, International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), venerable members of the Buddhist Sangha and other distinguished guests were present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor described the exposition as an occasion of profound spiritual and cultural significance. He observed that the Sacred Relics symbolise the life, enlightenment and timeless teachings of Lord Buddha.
The Governor highlighted the relevance of Buddhist teachings in addressing contemporary challenges. He noted that the message of peace, compassion, wisdom and non-violence assumes particular significance at a time when humanity faces conflict, intolerance and violence. He urged people to imbibe these values in their daily lives and contribute to building a society founded on harmony, dignity and mutual respect, the release said.
The Governor appreciated the collective efforts of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, the National Museum, New Delhi, the International Buddhist Confederation and all those associated with the exposition. He acknowledged their contribution in bringing the Sacred Relics closer to devotees across Arunachal Pradesh.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein highlighted the rich and diverse Buddhist heritage of Arunachal Pradesh. He underlined the significance of the exposition in a State where Mahayana, Vajrayana and Theravada Buddhist traditions have flourished across generations. He described the arrival of the Sacred Relics at Namsai as a rare opportunity for devotees to offer prayers and reconnect with the teachings of Lord Buddha, the release said.
On the occasion, two special exhibitions organised by the National Museum, New Delhi, and the International Buddhist Confederation were inaugurated at the Meditation Centre of the Golden Pagoda.
The exhibition titled “Unearthing the Sacred Piprahwa: The Story of the Holy Buddha Relics and Their Discovery”, organised by the International Buddhist Confederation, presents the historical, archaeological and spiritual significance of the Piprahwa Relics. It traces the archaeological discoveries at Piprahwa in Uttar Pradesh and the enduring tradition of Buddhist relic veneration.
The exhibition also highlights the journey of the Piprahwa jewel collection and its return to India in 2025 after more than a century. It provides visitors with an opportunity to understand the importance of preserving and protecting India's Buddhist heritage.
The second exhibition, titled “Crossroads of Dhamma: Classical Legacies, Living Art, and Anthropological Perspectives”, curated by the National Museum, New Delhi, showcases the rich artistic, historical and cultural heritage of Buddhism. It highlights the evolution of Buddhist traditions and their continuing influence on art, culture and society.
Together, these exhibitions complement the spiritual experience of the Sacred Relics Exposition. They offer devotees, students, scholars and visitors an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the life and teachings of Lord Buddha and India's rich Buddhist heritage.
The arrival of the Sacred Relics at Namsai follows the successful conclusion of the six-day exposition at Thubchog Gatsel Ling (TGL) Monastery, also known as Lower Gompa, in Bomdila, West Kameng district.
The exposition, held from 8 to 13 November 2026, witnessed an overwhelming response from devotees. More than 35,000 devotees visited the monastery during this period to offer prayers, seek blessings and pay homage to the Sacred Relics.
Buddhist monks, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and devotees from different parts of West Kameng district and neighbouring regions participated in the public darshan with deep faith and reverence.
The district administration made arrangements for constituency-wise participation to facilitate orderly public darshan and ensure that devotees from different areas had an opportunity to visit the exposition.
The large turnout at Bomdila reflected the deep spiritual significance of the Sacred Relics and the enduring Buddhist traditions of the region.
Following the conclusion of public darshan on 13 November, the Sacred Relics were accorded a ceremonial farewell on the morning of 14 November for their onward journey to Namsai.
The exposition of the Sacred Relics in Arunachal Pradesh commenced at the historic Gaden Namgyal Lhatse (Tawang Monastery) on 31 October 2026. The inaugural ceremony was attended by Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Pema Khandu, venerable Buddhist monks and other dignitaries.
The exposition at Tawang continued until 7 November 2026 and witnessed participation by more than 31,000 devotees.
With over 35,000 devotees visiting the subsequent exposition at Bomdila, the cumulative footfall at the two venues has exceeded 66,000.
The return of the Sacred Relics to Arunachal Pradesh after a gap of 13 years has provided Buddhist communities across the State with a cherished opportunity to pay homage to Lord Buddha.
The exposition has brought together devotees from different Buddhist traditions and cultural backgrounds. It has also reaffirmed the enduring spiritual and cultural bonds that connect the people of Arunachal Pradesh with India's wider Buddhist heritage.
The Sacred Relics will remain enshrined at the Golden Pagoda (Kongmu Kham), Namsai, for public darshan from 14 to 20 November 2026.
The Golden Pagoda is an important centre of Theravada Buddhist faith and practice in Arunachal Pradesh. The exposition at Namsai will provide devotees from eastern Arunachal Pradesh and neighbouring regions an opportunity to offer prayers and pay homage to the Sacred Relics.
Following the conclusion of the exposition, the Sacred Relics are scheduled to return to the National Museum, New Delhi, on 21 November 2026.
The exposition is being organised by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in collaboration with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, the National Museum, New Delhi, and the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), New Delhi.
The initiative reflects the Government of India's sustained commitment to the protection, preservation and promotion of India's Buddhist heritage. It seeks to bring this sacred heritage closer to devotees and strengthen cultural and spiritual connections across Buddhist communities.
The exposition at Tawang, Bomdila and Namsai also celebrates the diversity of Buddhist traditions in Arunachal Pradesh and reinforces the universal message of Lord Buddha — peace, compassion, wisdom, non-violence and harmony. (ANI)
Sacred relics of Shakyamuni Buddha arrive at Golden Pagoda, Namsai, marking the final phase of exposition in Arunachal Pradesh
