Chief Minister Pema Khandu described the arrival of the relics as a historic moment for Arunachal Pradesh. The exposition will give devotees an opportunity to pay homage to the Buddha, while an international conference in Tawang will bring together Buddhist scholars, monks and delegates.
BY PC Bureau
October 31: Thousands of Buddhist devotees across Arunachal Pradesh will have an opportunity to pay homage to the sacred relics of Lord Buddha as the revered Piprahwa remains begin a three-week exposition across the state. The relics arrived at Tawang airport on Saturday from the National Museum in New Delhi, ahead of public displays in Tawang, Bomdila and Namsai from October 31 to November 21.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu described the arrival as an honour and a historic moment for Arunachal Pradesh, particularly its Buddhist community. He said the occasion should deepen people’s commitment to the Buddha’s teachings of compassion, peace, wisdom and universal brotherhood.
The relics have their origins in the ancient Piprahwa Stupa in Uttar Pradesh’s Siddharthnagar district, an archaeological site associated with ancient Kapilavastu, the homeland of the Shakya clan to which the Buddha belonged. The remains are regarded as among the most significant archaeological and spiritual links to the life and legacy of Gautama Buddha.
Before their arrival in Tawang, Arunachal East MP Tapir Gao and Women and Child Development Minister Dasanglu Pul received the relics at Guwahati airport in a ceremonial welcome attended by Buddhist monks and government officials. Pul described the exposition as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for devotees to seek blessings and pay homage to the Buddha.
The sacred relics of Lord Buddha, Shakyamuni, have arrived in Tawang from the National Museum, New Delhi.
These revered relics originate from the ancient Piprahwa Stupa in present-day Siddharthnagar district of Uttar Pradesh, an archaeological site closely associated with ancient Kapilavastu, the homeland of the Shakya clan to which Lord Buddha belonged.
It is an immense honour for Arunachal Pradesh to welcome these sacred relics to Tawang. May this historic occasion deepen our collective commitment to the timeless teachings of Lord Buddha on compassion, peace, wisdom and universal brotherhood.
#HolyRelicsOfLordBuddha #BuddhaRelics #Tawang #ArunachalPradesh #Buddhism #LordBuddha
— Pema Khandu པདྨ་མཁའ་འགྲོ་། (@PemaKhanduBJP) October 31, 2026
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a special message for the occasion, describing the exposition as an event of immense spiritual and cultural significance. He highlighted Arunachal Pradesh’s place in India’s Buddhist heritage and said the public display, along with an international conference, would help strengthen appreciation of shared Buddhist values.
The first public exposition will be held at Tawang Monastery from November 1 to 7. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat are scheduled to attend the formal inauguration.
A legacy of peace, compassion and wisdom. 🪷
Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi conveyed his greetings and best wishes ahead of the exposition of the Holy Relics of Bhagwan Buddha in Arunachal Pradesh from 31 October to 21 November 2026.
In his message, the Prime Minister highlighted the enduring relevance of Lord Buddha’s teachings of peace and compassion and the importance of preserving India’s rich Buddhist heritage. He also noted Arunachal Pradesh’s special place in India’s Buddhist traditions, with the exposition at Tawang, Bomdila and Namsai offering devotees an opportunity to connect more closely with this precious legacy.
#CultureUnitesAll #HolyRelicsOfBuddha #BuddhistHeritage #ArunachalPradesh
— Ministry of Culture (@MinOfCultureGoI) October 31, 2026
Tawang will also host an international conference on November 2 and 3 under the theme “Buddhism: Dissemination in the Himalayan Region and Beyond”. Scholars, international delegates and Buddhist monks are expected to participate in discussions on the spread of Buddhism across the Himalayan region and its wider cultural influence.
From Tawang, the relics will travel to Thubchog Gatsel Ling Monastery in Bomdila, West Kameng district, where they will be displayed from November 8 to 13. The final leg of the exposition will be held at the Golde
