More than 21,000 devotees have visited Gaden Namgyal Lhatse, popularly known as Tawang Monastery, in Arunachal Pradesh to offer prayers and pay their respects to the sacred relics of Shakyamuni Buddha. The exposition, which has drawn visitors from Tawang and neighbouring regions, will remain open to the public until November 7, 2026.
The sacred relics have returned to Arunachal Pradesh after 13 years, giving Buddhist monks, nuns and devotees an opportunity to pay homage to the remains of Buddha. The exposition is being organised by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) and the Government of Arunachal Pradesh.
Buddha’s Sacred Relics Return to Arunachal Pradesh After 13 Years
The relics were brought to Tawang Monastery from the National Museum in New Delhi. Their return holds considerable historical and spiritual importance for Buddhist communities across the region.
Originally discovered at Piprahwah in Uttar Pradesh in 1898, the relics represent an important chapter in the archaeological history of Buddhism. They have since been preserved at the National Museum, where they remain significant for their historical, archaeological and religious value.
The ongoing exposition allows visitors to connect with India’s Buddhist heritage and pay their respects to the sacred remains of Shakyamuni Buddha.
Special Exhibitions Highlight Buddhism’s Historical and Cultural Legacy
Alongside the relic exposition, two exhibitions have been organised at Tawang Monastery to explore different aspects of Buddhist history and heritage.
The International Buddhist Confederation has organised Unearthing the Sacred Piprahwa: The Story of the Holy Buddha Relics and Their Discovery. The exhibition documents the discovery of the relics and examines their historical significance.
The National Museum, New Delhi, has curated another exhibition titled Crossroads of Dhamma: Classical Legacies, Living Art, and Anthropological Perspectives. It presents the historical, artistic and cultural dimensions of Buddhism.
Together, the exhibitions offer visitors a broader understanding of Buddhism’s archaeological legacy, artistic traditions and continuing cultural influence.
Sacred Relics to Visit Bomdilla and Namsai Next
Following the conclusion of the Tawang exposition, the sacred relics will continue their journey across Arunachal Pradesh through two more locations.
The scheduled programme is as follows:
- November 8-13, 2026: TGL Monastery (Lower Gompa), Bomdilla.
- November 14-20, 2026: Golden Pagoda, Namsai.
- November 21, 2026: Scheduled return of the relics to the National Museum, New Delhi.
The exposition reflects the Ministry of Culture’s efforts to preserve and promote India’s Buddhist heritage while sharing the teachings of Bhagwan Buddha. These teachings emphasise peace, compassion, wisdom and universal brotherhood.
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