The sacred Holy Relics of Shakyamuni Buddha from the National Museum, New Delhi, were ceremonially received by the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Pema Khandu, at Tawang on 31st October, 2026, marking the commencement of a significant exposition of India's Buddhist heritage in Arunachal Pradesh. The sacred relics were accorded a traditional religious reception at the historic Gaden Namgyal Lhatse (Tawang Monastery), in the presence of Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, venerable Buddhist monks, religious leaders and devotees.
The exposition is being organised 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. 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.
The inaugural programme at Tawang 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.
In his message on the occasion, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi expressed happiness over the exposition of the Holy Relics of Bhagwan Buddha in Arunachal Pradesh, describing it as an occasion of immense spiritual and cultural significance. He highlighted the homecoming of the sacred Piprahwa Relics after more than a century as a moment of pride and joy, and expressed confidence that the exposition would further strengthen appreciation of India's rich Buddhist heritage and the universal teachings of Bhagwan Buddha.
The exposition holds special spiritual significance as it coincides with Lhabab Duchen, an important occasion in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition commemorating the Buddha's descent from the heavenly realm.
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, New Delhi, these relics hold immense 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 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.
The International Buddhist Confederation, in collaboration with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, will also organise an international conference titled “Buddhism: Dissemination in the Himalayan Region and Beyond” at the Kalawangpo Convention Hall, Tawang, on 2 November 2026.
The exposition will continue 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.
The exposition represents an important initiative to bring India's Buddhist heritage closer to communities in the North Eastern Region, while promoting the universal teachings of Bhagwan Buddha – peace, compassion, non-violence and harmony.
Through such initiatives, the Government of India continues its efforts to preserve, promote and disseminate the country's rich Buddhist heritage and strengthen India's historical and spiritual connections with Buddhist communities across the world.