The sacred relics of Shakyamuni Buddha arrived at Thubchog Gatsel Ling (TGL) Monastery, also known as Lower Gompa, in Bomdila, Arunachal Pradesh, on November 8, 2026. The relics have been enshrined at the monastery and will remain open for public darshan until November 13, giving devotees an opportunity to offer prayers and pay their respects.
Around 4,000 people visited the monastery on the first day of the exposition. The programme is being organised by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the National Museum, New Delhi, the Government of Arunachal Pradesh and the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC).
Around 4,000 Devotees Attend First Day of Relic Exposition
The opening day of the exposition witnessed participation from Buddhist monks, dignitaries, senior citizens and persons with disabilities, who gathered to seek blessings and pay homage to the sacred relics.
From November 9 to 13, devotees from the Bomdila constituency and neighbouring constituencies are scheduled to visit the monastery to offer prayers.
The relics were transported from Tawang to Bomdila aboard an Indian Air Force Chinook helicopter. The delegation accompanying them included Shri Bhikkhu Khemachara, Deputy Secretary General of the International Buddhist Confederation, along with officials from the Ministry of Culture, the National Museum and the IBC.
At the Army Helipad in Rupa, the relics were received with official protocol by Pasang Dorjee Sona, Minister for Education, Tourism, Rural Works Department and Public Libraries in the Arunachal Pradesh government. A Guard of Honour was also presented.
The procession then continued towards Bomdila, with a ceremonial halt at Upper Gompa before the relics were taken to TGL Monastery for enshrinement.
Special Exhibitions Showcase Buddhist Heritage
Following the enshrinement ceremony, two special exhibitions were inaugurated at the monastery by Pasang Dorjee Sona in the presence of Padma Shri awardee and the 12th Guru Trulku Rinpoche.
Organised by the International Buddhist Confederation and the National Museum, New Delhi, the exhibitions explore the historical, spiritual and cultural significance of Buddhism and the sacred relics of Shakyamuni Buddha.
The exhibitions provide visitors with an opportunity to learn more about India’s Buddhist heritage alongside the public exposition.
Sacred Relics to Travel to Golden Pagoda in Namsai
The Bomdila exposition follows the conclusion of a seven-day public display at Gaden Namgyal Lhatse, popularly known as Tawang Monastery, on November 7, 2026. Thousands of devotees from different blocks of Tawang and neighbouring areas attended the event to offer prayers and pay homage to the relics.
After the Bomdila programme concludes on November 13, the sacred relics will travel to the Golden Pagoda in Namsai, where public darshan will be available from November 14 to 20, 2026.
The relics are scheduled to return to the National Museum in New Delhi on November 21, 2026.
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