The Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, is organising an exposition of the Holy Relics of Shakyamuni Buddha in Arunachal Pradesh from tomorrow till November 21. The exposition will cover three important centres of Buddhist faith and heritage – Tawang, Bomdila and Namsai, providing devotees and members of the public an opportunity to pay homage to the Sacred Relics. Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat will participate in the inaugural ceremony at the Gaden Namgyal Lhatse (Tawang Monastery) tomorrow.

 

The holy Piprahwa Relics from the National Museum, New Delhi, will begin their journey tonight and will be taken to Tawang, Bomdila and Namsai, reflecting Arunachal Pradesh’s rich Buddhist traditions. Special Indian Air Force aircraft and helicopter arrangements have been planned for the safe and dignified transportation of the Holy Relics. The relics will be present at Tawang Monastery between the 1st and 7th of next month for public darshan and exposition.

 

Later, between the 8th and 13th of November, the relics will be present at TGL Monastery (Lower Gompa), Bomdila and between November 14th and 20th, the relics will be available at Golden Pagoda, Namsai. Following the conclusion of public darshan, the Holy Relics will return to the National Museum in New Delhi on November 21st.

 

The Ministry of Culture said that the exposition will bring together religious observance, cultural heritage and public participation in a spiritually meaningful setting. Representatives of the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, members of the Buddhist Sangha, and institutions, and devotees will also visit the exposition.