The sacred relics of Shakyamuni Buddha, preserved at the National Museum in New Delhi, were ceremonially received at Tawang Monastery in Arunachal Pradesh on October 31, 2026. The arrival marks the beginning of an exposition showcasing India’s Buddhist heritage across three important centres of Buddhist faith in the state.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu received the relics at the historic Gaden Namgyal Lhatse, also known as Tawang Monastery. The ceremony was attended by Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Buddhist monks, religious leaders, representatives of the International Buddhist Confederation and devotees.
The exposition is being organised by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) and the National Museum, New Delhi. It will provide devotees and members of the public an opportunity to pay homage to the sacred relics.
Prime Minister Highlights Spiritual and Cultural Significance
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed happiness over the exposition of the Holy Relics of Bhagwan Buddha in Arunachal Pradesh, describing the occasion as one of significant spiritual and cultural importance.
He highlighted the return of the sacred Piprahwa Relics after more than a century as a moment of pride and joy. He also expressed confidence that the exposition would strengthen public appreciation of India’s Buddhist heritage and the universal teachings of Bhagwan Buddha.
The exposition also coincides with Lhabab Duchen, an important occasion in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition that commemorates the Buddha’s descent from the heavenly realm.
Piprahwa Relics and Their Historical Significance
The sacred relics originate from Piprahwa in Uttar Pradesh, an archaeological site associated with ancient Kapilavastu and the Shakya tradition of Lord Buddha. Preserved at the National Museum in New Delhi, they hold historical, archaeological and spiritual significance for Buddhist communities.
An accompanying exhibition, titled Unearthing the Sacred Piprahwa: The Story of the Holy Buddha Relics and Their Discovery, will showcase the archaeological discoveries at Piprahwa, the importance of relic veneration and the history of the Piprahwa heritage, including its repatriation to India.
The International Buddhist Confederation, in collaboration with the Arunachal Pradesh government, will also organise an international conference titled Buddhism: Dissemination in the Himalayan Region and Beyond at the Kalawangpo Convention Hall in Tawang on November 2, 2026.
Exposition Schedule Across Tawang, Bomdila and Namsai
The sacred relics will travel across three locations in Arunachal Pradesh during the exposition period.
- Tawang Monastery: November 1 to 7, 2026.
- TGL Monastery (Lower Gompa), Bomdila: November 8 to 13, 2026.
- Golden Pagoda, Namsai: 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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