The sacred relics of Shakyamuni Buddha arrived at Namsai in Arunachal Pradesh on Saturday, marking the beginning of the third and final phase of their exposition in the State. The relics were ceremonially received and enshrined at the Golden Pagoda (Kongmu Kham), an important centre of Buddhist faith and heritage in eastern Arunachal Pradesh. Devotees will be able to offer prayers and pay homage to the relics at the venue from November 14 to 20.
The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, Lt Gen Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik (Retd.), received the sacred relics at Nalung Helipad in Namsai. Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, State Ministers, public representatives and religious leaders accompanied him. Devotees and local residents gathered along the ceremonial route to the Golden Pagoda to welcome the relics.
The exposition was formally inaugurated at the Golden Pagoda in the presence of the Governor, who attended as the Chief Guest. Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) Director General Raghav Prasad Bhatnagar, members of the Buddhist Sangha and other dignitaries were also present.
Governor highlights relevance of Buddha’s teachings
Addressing the gathering, Governor Parnaik described the exposition as an occasion of deep spiritual and cultural significance, noting that the sacred relics symbolise the life, enlightenment and timeless teachings of Lord Buddha.
He emphasised that the Buddhist values of peace, compassion, wisdom and non-violence are particularly relevant in the present global environment, marked by conflict, intolerance and violence. He urged people to incorporate these principles into their daily lives and work towards a society based on harmony, dignity and mutual respect.
The Governor appreciated the efforts of the Union Ministry of Culture, the Arunachal Pradesh Government, the National Museum in New Delhi and the International Buddhist Confederation in organising the exposition and bringing the sacred relics closer to devotees across the State.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein highlighted Arunachal Pradesh’s diverse Buddhist heritage, where Mahayana, Vajrayana and Theravada traditions have flourished over generations. He described the arrival of the relics at Namsai as a rare opportunity for devotees to offer prayers and reconnect with the teachings of Lord Buddha.
Two exhibitions showcase India’s Buddhist heritage
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 alongside the exposition.
The International Buddhist Confederation’s exhibition, titled “Unearthing the Sacred Piprahwa: The Story of the Holy Buddha Relics and Their Discovery”, explores the historical, archaeological and spiritual significance of the Piprahwa relics. It traces the discoveries made at Piprahwa in Uttar Pradesh and the longstanding 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, drawing attention to the importance of preserving and protecting the country’s Buddhist heritage.
The second exhibition, “Crossroads of Dhamma: Classical Legacies, Living Art, and Anthropological Perspectives”, curated by the National Museum, presents the artistic, historical and cultural dimensions of Buddhism. It explores the evolution of Buddhist traditions and their continuing influence on art, culture and society.
Together, the exhibitions provide devotees, students, scholars and other visitors with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of Buddhism and India’s rich Buddhist legacy.
More than 66,000 devotees visit Tawang and Bomdila
The Namsai exposition follows two successful phases at Tawang and Bomdila, which together attracted more than 66,000 devotees.
The exposition began at the historic Gaden Namgyal Lhatse, or Tawang Monastery, on October 31, 2026. The inaugural ceremony was attended by Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Buddhist monks and other dignitaries. The relics remained at Tawang until November 7, attracting more than 31,000 devotees.
The second phase was held at Thubchog Gatsel Ling (TGL) Monastery, also known as Lower Gompa, in Bomdila, West Kameng district, from November 8 to 13. More than 35,000 devotees visited the monastery during the six-day exposition to offer prayers and seek blessings.
Buddhist monks, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and devotees from different parts of West Kameng district and neighbouring regions participated in the public darshan. The district administration organised constituency-wise participation to facilitate orderly visits and provide devotees from different areas an opportunity to pay homage.
Following the conclusion of the Bomdila exposition on November 13, the relics were accorded a ceremonial farewell on the morning of November 14 before being transported to Namsai.
Final phase to conclude on November 20
The sacred relics will remain enshrined at the Golden Pagoda in Namsai for public darshan until November 20. The venue, also known as Kongmu Kham, is an important centre of Theravada Buddhist faith and practice in Arunachal Pradesh and is expected to draw devotees from eastern parts of the State and neighbouring regions.
After the conclusion of the Namsai exposition, the relics are scheduled to return to the National Museum, New Delhi, on November 21.
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.
The return of the sacred relics to Arunachal Pradesh after a gap of 13 years has offered Buddhist communities across the State an opportunity to pay homage to Lord Buddha. The three-phase exposition has brought together devotees from different Buddhist traditions and highlighted the diversity of the State’s religious and cultural heritage.
The initiative also reflects efforts to preserve and promote India’s Buddhist legacy while strengthening cultural and spiritual connections among Buddhist communities. Through the expositions at Tawang, Bomdila and Namsai, the universal message of Lord Buddha—peace, compassion, wisdom, non-violence and harmony—has been brought closer to people across the region.
(PIB)
