Press Information Bureau

The Sacred Relics of Shakyamuni Buddha  arrived at Thubchog Gatsel Ling (TGL) Monastery (Lower Gompa), Bomdila, Arunachal Pradesh, on 8 November 2026 and were enshrined at the monastery for public darshan. The Sacred Relics will be available for public darshan from 8 to 13 November 2026. The exposition is being organised by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in collaboration with the National Museum  New Delhi, Government of Arunachal Pradesh and the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), New Delhi.

The first day of the public exposition on 8 November witnessed an encouraging response, with around 4,000 devotees visiting the monastery to have darshan of the Sacred Relics. Buddhist monks, dignitaries, senior citizens and persons with disabilities also offered prayers and paid their respects. From 9 to 13 November 2026, devotees from Bomdila constituency and neighbouring constituencies are scheduled to visit the monastery,  to offer prayers and seek blessings.

The Sacred Relics were transported from Tawang to Bomdila aboard an Indian Air Force Chinook helicopter, accompanied by Shri Bhikkhu Khemachara, Deputy Secretary General (DSG), IBC and officials from  Ministry of culture, National Museum, New Delhi, and IBC. At the Army Helipad, Rupa, the Sacred Relics were received with due protocol by Shri Pasang Dorjee Sona, Minister for Education, Tourism, Rural Works Department (RWD) and Public Libraries, Government of Arunachal Pradesh. A Guard of Honour was presented at the helipad. Thereafter, the Sacred Relics proceeded towards Bomdila, with a brief ceremonial halt at Upper Gompa before being taken to Thubchog Gatsel Ling Monastery (Lower Gompa) for enshrinement.

Following the enshrinement, two special exhibitions were inaugurated at the monastery by the Chief Guest, Shri Pasang Dorjee Sona,  Minister for Education, Tourism and Rural Works Department, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, in the presence of Padma Shri the 12th Guru Trulku Rinpoche. The exhibitions, organised by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) and the National Museum, New Delhi, showcase the historical, spiritual and cultural heritage associated with Buddhism and the Sacred Relics.

The arrival of the Sacred Relics in Bomdila follows the conclusion of the seven-day public exposition at Gaden Namgyal Lhatse (Tawang Monastery) on 7 November 2026. The exposition witnessed the participation of thousands of devotees and visitors from all blocks of Tawang  and neighbouring areas, who gathered to have darshan of the Sacred Relics, offer prayers and pay their respects. The overwhelming response reflected the deep spiritual reverence associated with the Sacred Relics of Shakyamuni Buddha.

Following the Bomdila exposition, the Sacred Relics will proceed to the Golden Pagoda, Namsai, where they will remain open for public darshan from 14 to 20 November 2026. Thereafter, the Sacred Relics are scheduled to return to the National Museum, New Delhi, on 21 November 2026.

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M Annadurai