The sacred relics of Shakyamuni Buddha arrived at the Golden Pagoda (Kongmu Kham) in Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh, on November 14, 2026, marking the final phase of their exposition across the state. The relics will remain open for public darshan until November 20, giving devotees in eastern Arunachal Pradesh and neighbouring regions an opportunity to pay their respects.
Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik (Retd.) received the relics at Nalung Helipad, accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, state ministers, public representatives and religious leaders. Devotees and local residents gathered along the route to the Golden Pagoda to welcome the sacred relics.
The Governor subsequently inaugurated the exposition at the Buddhist centre in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Mein, International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) Director General Raghav Prasad Bhatnagar, members of the Buddhist Sangha and other dignitaries.
Governor Emphasises the Relevance of Buddha’s Teachings
Addressing the gathering, Governor Parnaik described the exposition as an occasion of deep spiritual and cultural significance. He said the sacred relics represent the life, enlightenment and enduring teachings of Lord Buddha.
The Governor highlighted the relevance of Buddhist principles in addressing contemporary challenges, particularly amid conflict, intolerance and violence. He emphasised the importance of peace, compassion, wisdom and non-violence, urging people to incorporate these values into their daily lives and promote 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 in New Delhi, the International Buddhist Confederation and others involved in organising the exposition.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein highlighted Arunachal Pradesh’s diverse Buddhist heritage, noting the presence of Mahayana, Vajrayana and Theravada traditions across generations. He described the arrival of the relics in Namsai as a rare opportunity for devotees to offer prayers and reconnect with Buddha’s teachings.
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 Golden Pagoda’s Meditation Centre.
The first exhibition, titled “Unearthing the Sacred Piprahwa: The Story of the Holy Buddha Relics and Their Discovery”, has been organised by the International Buddhist Confederation. It explores the archaeological, historical and spiritual significance of the Piprahwa relics in Uttar Pradesh, along with the tradition of Buddhist relic veneration.
The exhibition also documents the journey of the Piprahwa jewel collection and its return to India in 2025 after more than a century. It highlights 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 development of Buddhism. It examines the evolution of Buddhist traditions and their influence on art, culture and society.
Both exhibitions aim to deepen visitors’ understanding of Buddhist history and heritage, complementing the spiritual experience of the relics exposition.
More Than 66,000 Devotees Visit Tawang and Bomdila
The Namsai exposition follows two earlier phases at Tawang and Bomdila, which attracted more than 66,000 devotees collectively.
The first phase began on October 31 at Gaden Namgyal Lhatse, also known as Tawang Monastery. The inauguration was attended by Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Buddhist monks and other dignitaries. The exposition continued until November 7 and received more than 31,000 visitors.
The second phase was held from November 8 to 13 at Thubchog Gatsel Ling Monastery, also known as Lower Gompa, in Bomdila, West Kameng district. More than 35,000 devotees visited the monastery to offer prayers and pay homage to the relics.
Buddhist monks, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and devotees from West Kameng and neighbouring regions participated in the public darshan. The district administration arranged constituency-wise participation to facilitate orderly visits.
The relics were given a ceremonial farewell on the morning of November 14 before being transported to Namsai.
Public Darshan at Golden Pagoda Until November 20
The sacred relics will remain enshrined at the Golden Pagoda in Namsai from November 14 to 20. The venue is an important centre of Theravada Buddhist faith and practice in Arunachal Pradesh.
The relics’ return to the state after a gap of 13 years has provided Buddhist communities across Arunachal Pradesh with an opportunity to pay homage to Lord Buddha. The exposition has also brought together people from different Buddhist traditions and cultural backgrounds.
Following the conclusion of the Namsai programme, the relics are scheduled to return to the National Museum in New Delhi on November 21.
The exposition is being organised by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the Arunachal Pradesh government, the National Museum and the International Buddhist Confederation. The initiative seeks to promote and preserve India’s Buddhist heritage while strengthening cultural and spiritual connections among Buddhist communities.
The three-phase exposition across Tawang, Bomdila and Namsai has highlighted the diversity of Buddhist traditions in Arunachal Pradesh and the enduring message of peace, compassion, wisdom, non-violence and harmony.
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