The revered Piprahwa relics associated with Lord Buddha arrived in Arunachal Pradesh on Saturday, marking the start of an extensive three-week exposition scheduled across three major Buddhist centres in the frontier state. Chief Minister Pema Khandu received the sacred collection upon its landing at the Tawang Air Force Station following an air transfer from New Delhi. The exposition aims to offer devotees, scholars, and travellers a rare opportunity to pay homage to the holy remains and reflect upon classical Buddhist traditions.
Exposition Schedule Across Tawang, Bomdila, and Namsai
The public viewing schedule commences at the Tawang Memorial before travelling through western and eastern parts of the state. A major phase of the exposition will be hosted at the historic Gaden Namgyal Lhatse, commonly known as Tawang Monastery, from 31 October to 7 November 2026. Following the ceremonies in Tawang, the relics will be transported to Bomdila for public veneration and will conclude their state-wide journey in Namsai. The multi-centre route has been planned to accommodate local populations as well as national and international pilgrims seeking blessings.
Air Force Logistics and Sacred Monastic Rites
Chief Minister Pema Khandu expressed gratitude to the Indian Air Force for handling the flight operations from New Delhi to Tawang, acknowledging the military wing's support in facilitating an event of profound spiritual resonance for the regional and global Buddhist community. Prior to the formal opening of the display, the monastic leadership conducted elaborate preparatory rites at Tawang Monastery. Khandu stated on X that he attended traditional rituals conducted at the historic site ahead of the holy display.
The ceremonies featured specific customary rites, including Thrisol, dedicated to the ritual purification of the holy remains; Ramne, performed to shield the precinct from adverse energies and negative influences; and Mandal Tensung, a ceremonial invocation seeking divine protection and auspicious preservation of the sacred relics. Monks and state officials participated together to prepare the monastery grounds for visiting crowds.
Prime Minister's Message and Global Call for Harmony
Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his felicitations for the exposition, spotlighting Arunachal Pradesh's historical role within India's broader Buddhist heritage. Khandu appreciated the message from the Prime Minister, noting that it acknowledged the enduring imprint of Buddhist philosophy on India's civilisational narrative.
Highlighting the event as an exceptional milestone for the state, the Chief Minister observed that the core teachings of Lord Buddha transcend regional and cultural divisions by fostering peace, empathy, and unity. Extending an open invitation to pilgrims and researchers across India and abroad, he expressed confidence that the presence of the relics would encourage deeper cross-cultural goodwill and spiritual harmony during the three-week period.
