The Ministry of Culture has organized a sacred exposition of the Holy Relics of Shakyamuni Buddha at Gaden Namgyal Lhatse (Tawang Monastery) in Arunachal Pradesh as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations. During the first three days, the monastery witnessed large gatherings of devotees from Tawang and neighboring regions, with long queues of people waiting to have a glimpse of the sacred relics, offer prayers, and pay homage.
The exposition has been made accessible to Buddhist monks, senior citizens, and the general public, providing an opportunity for spiritual devotion and reconnection with Buddha's teachings of compassion, peace, wisdom, and universal brotherhood. Alongside the relic veneration, two special exhibitions are being conducted: 'Unearthing the Sacred Piprahwa: The Story of the Holy Buddha Relics and Their Discovery' by The International Buddhist Confederation, which traces the archaeological history of the Piprahwa relics discovered in 1898, and 'Crossroads of Dhamma: Classical Legacies, Living Art, and Anthropological Perspectives' curated by the National Museum, New Delhi, showcasing the historical, artistic, and cultural evolution of Buddhism.
The sacred relics were ceremonially received by Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Pema Khandu at Tawang Monastery, with Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Buddhist monks, religious leaders, and devotees in attendance. The exposition schedule includes Tawang Monastery until November 7, 2026, followed by TGL Monastery (Lower Gompa), Bomdila from November 8 to 13, 2026, and then Golden Pagoda, Namsai from November 14 to 20, 2026. The relics are scheduled to return to the National Museum, New Delhi on November 21, 2026.