Sacred Buddha Relics Reach Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh, for Final Phase of Statewide Exposition
Over 66,000 devotees have paid homage at Tawang and Bomdila; public darshan at the Golden Pagoda continues from 14 to 20 November
By Suman Munshi | IBG NEWS
Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh, 15 November 2026: The sacred relics of Lord Shakyamuni Buddha arrived at Namsai on 14 November, marking the beginning of the third and final phase of their exposition across Arunachal Pradesh. The relics have been ceremonially received and enshrined at the renowned Golden Pagoda (Kongmu Kham), offering devotees in the eastern part of the State an opportunity to pay homage.
The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, Lt Gen Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik (Retd.), received the sacred relics at Nalung Helipad, Namsai, in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, State Ministers, public representatives and Buddhist religious leaders. Local residents and devotees also gathered along the ceremonial route to welcome the relics.
The exposition was formally inaugurated at the Golden Pagoda, with the Governor attending as Chief Guest. Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Raghav Prasad Bhatnagar, Director General of the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), members of the Buddhist Sangha and other dignitaries were present.
Governor Emphasises the Universal Message of Buddha
Addressing the gathering, Governor Parnaik described the exposition as an occasion of deep spiritual and cultural importance. He observed that the sacred relics represent the life, enlightenment and enduring teachings of Lord Buddha.
Highlighting their contemporary relevance, the Governor said that the principles of peace, compassion, wisdom and non-violence are particularly important in a world facing conflict, intolerance and violence. He encouraged people to incorporate these values into everyday life and work towards a society based on harmony, dignity and mutual respect.
He also acknowledged the efforts of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, the Arunachal Pradesh Government, the National Museum, New Delhi, and the International Buddhist Confederation in organising the exposition and bringing the relics closer to devotees.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein highlighted Arunachal Pradesh’s diverse Buddhist heritage, noting the presence of Mahayana, Vajrayana and Theravada traditions across the State. He described the arrival of the relics at Namsai as a rare opportunity for people to offer prayers and reconnect with the teachings of the Buddha.
Two Special Exhibitions Showcase India’s Buddhist Heritage
Two exhibitions organised by the International Buddhist Confederation and the National Museum, New Delhi, were inaugurated at the Meditation Centre of the Golden Pagoda.
The first exhibition, “Unearthing the Sacred Piprahwa: The Story of the Holy Buddha Relics and Their Discovery,” explores the archaeological, historical and spiritual importance of the Piprahwa relics. It presents the history of their discovery in Uttar Pradesh and the longstanding Buddhist tradition of venerating sacred relics.
The exhibition also traces the journey of the Piprahwa jewel collection and its return to India in 2025 after more than a century, highlighting the importance of protecting and preserving the country’s Buddhist heritage.
The second exhibition, “Crossroads of Dhamma: Classical Legacies, Living Art, and Anthropological Perspectives,” curated by the National Museum, showcases the artistic and cultural legacy of Buddhism. It examines the development of Buddhist traditions and their continuing influence on art, society and cultural life.
Together, the exhibitions offer devotees, students, researchers and visitors an opportunity to explore the historical and cultural dimensions of Buddhism alongside the spiritual experience of the relics exposition.
More Than 35,000 Devotees Visit Bomdila
The Namsai phase 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.
Held from 8 to 13 November, the Bomdila exposition attracted more than 35,000 devotees. Buddhist monks, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and visitors from different parts of West Kameng and neighbouring areas participated in the public darshan.
The district administration arranged constituency-wise participation to facilitate orderly visits and provide devotees from different localities an opportunity to pay their respects.
Following the conclusion of public darshan on 13 November, the sacred relics were accorded a ceremonial farewell on the morning of 14 November before being transported to Namsai.
More Than 66,000 Devotees at Tawang and Bomdila
The statewide exposition began on 31 October at the historic Gaden Namgyal Lhatse, popularly known as Tawang Monastery. 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 Tawang exposition continued until 7 November and received more than 31,000 visitors. With the subsequent participation of over 35,000 devotees at Bomdila, the combined footfall at the two locations has crossed 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 significant opportunity to pay homage to the Enlightened One.
Public Darshan at Namsai Until 20 November
The sacred relics will remain enshrined at the Golden Pagoda (Kongmu Kham) from 14 to 20 November 2026 for public darshan. The exposition is expected to provide devotees from eastern Arunachal Pradesh and neighbouring regions an opportunity to offer prayers at this prominent Theravada Buddhist centre.
After the conclusion of the Namsai programme, the 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.
Beyond its religious significance, the initiative highlights India’s continuing efforts to preserve and promote its Buddhist heritage while strengthening cultural and spiritual connections among Buddhist communities.
The three-stage exposition across Tawang, Bomdila and Namsai has brought together people from different Buddhist traditions and backgrounds, reaffirming the enduring relevance of Lord Buddha’s universal message of peace, compassion, wisdom, non-violence and harmony.
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