The sacred relics of Shakyamuni Buddha from Piprahwa, Uttar Pradesh were received at Tawang Monastery by the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh. The exposition is a collaboration between multiple entities and will travel to three important centres of Buddhist faith.
On 02 NOV 2026, the sacred Holy Relics of Shakyamuni Buddha from Piprahwa, an archaeological site associated with ancient Kapilavastu and the Shakya tradition of Lord Buddha, were ceremonially received by the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Pema Khandu, at Tawang Monastery. The exposition, organized by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in collaboration with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) and the National Museum, New Delhi, commenced with a traditional religious reception.
The inaugural programme was attended by Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, along with the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Pema Khandu, venerable Buddhist monks, representatives of International Buddhist Confederation, other dignitaries, and devotees. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi expressed happiness over the event's spiritual and cultural significance.
The exposition is a significant initiative to bring India's Buddhist heritage closer to communities in the North Eastern Region. It will provide devotees and members of the public an opportunity to pay homage to the sacred relics across three important centres of Buddhist faith – Tawang, Bomdila, and Namsai.
In addition, an accompanying exhibition titled ‘Unearthing the Sacred Piprahwa: The Story of the Holy Buddha Relics and Their Discovery’ will present the history of the archaeological discoveries at Piprahwa, the significance of relic veneration, and the journey of the Piprahwa heritage, including its repatriation to India. Furthermore, the International Buddhist Confederation, in collaboration with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, will organize an international conference titled ‘Buddhism: Dissemination in the Himalayan Region and Beyond’ at the Kalawangpo Convention Hall, Tawang, on 02 November 2026.
The exposition continues at Tawang Monastery from 1 to 7 November, followed by TGL Monastery (Lower Gompa), Bomdila, from 8 to 13 November and the Golden Pagoda, Namsai, from 14 to 20 November 2026. The sacred relics are scheduled to return to the National Museum, New Delhi, on 21 November 2026.
Source:
Press Information Bureau
