Nearly 50,000 devotees have visited the exposition of the Sacred Relics of Shakyamuni Buddha across Arunachal Pradesh since the event began on October 31, reflecting the continued importance of Buddhist traditions and religious heritage in the northeastern state. The exposition is currently underway in Bomdila and will move to Namsai for its next phase from November 14.
The seven-day opening leg of the exposition was held at Gaden Namgyal Lhatse Monastery, popularly known as Tawang Monastery, where more than 31,000 devotees visited between October 31 and November 7. People from Tawang and neighbouring areas gathered at the historic monastery to offer prayers and pay their respects to the sacred relics.
Following the conclusion of the Tawang programme, the relics were brought to Thubchog Gatsel Ling Monastery, popularly known as Lower Gompa, in Bomdila on November 8. The exposition will remain open to the public until November 13, providing devotees in the district and surrounding areas an opportunity to have darshan of the sacred relics.
The next phase of the exposition is scheduled to take place at the Golden Pagoda in Namsai from November 14 to 20. The programme is expected to draw devotees from different parts of Arunachal Pradesh and neighbouring regions.
According to an official release, the exposition has attracted visitors from across the state, with large numbers of devotees arriving at the venues to offer prayers and seek blessings. The response reflects the deep-rooted Buddhist faith and the cultural and spiritual significance of the monasteries in Arunachal Pradesh.
The initiative is being organised by the Union Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the National Museum, New Delhi, the Government of Arunachal Pradesh and the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), New Delhi.
The exposition is aimed at preserving and promoting India’s rich Buddhist heritage while strengthening cultural and spiritual ties with Buddhist communities. By taking the sacred relics to different locations, the initiative also provides devotees with an opportunity to participate in religious observances without having to travel long distances.
