IndiaPosted at: Nov 15 2026 5:15PM


Sacred Buddha relics arrive at Arunachal's Golden Pagoda; over 66,000 devotees pay homage

New Delhi, Nov 15 (UNI) The sacred relics of Gautama Buddha have arrived at the Golden Pagoda in Namsai district of Arunachal Pradesh, marking the final phase of their exposition in the state, with devotees allowed to offer prayers and pay homage till November 20.
The relics were ceremonially received at Nalung Helipad by Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik (Retd), accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, state ministers, public representatives and Buddhist religious leaders. They were subsequently taken to the Golden Pagoda (Kongmu Kham), a prominent centre of Theravada Buddhism in eastern Arunachal Pradesh, where they were enshrined.
The Governor formally inaugurated the exposition, describing the occasion as one of profound spiritual and cultural significance. He said the teachings of Lord Buddha, centred on peace, compassion, wisdom and non-violence, held particular relevance amid growing conflicts, intolerance and violence across the world.
He urged people to incorporate these values into their daily lives and contribute towards building a society based on harmony, dignity and mutual respect.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein highlighted Arunachal Pradesh's diverse Buddhist traditions, including Mahayana, Vajrayana and Theravada, and said the arrival of the sacred relics offered devotees a rare opportunity to reconnect with the teachings of Lord Buddha.
Two exhibitions showcasing India's Buddhist heritage were also inaugurated at the Golden Pagoda's Meditation Centre.
The first, titled 'Unearthing the Sacred Piprahwa: The Story of the Holy Buddha Relics and Their Discovery', traces the archaeological discoveries at Piprahwa in Uttar Pradesh and explores the historical and spiritual significance of the relics. It also documents the return of the Piprahwa jewel collection to India in 2025 after more than a century.
The second exhibition, 'Crossroads of Dhamma: Classical Legacies, Living Art, and Anthropological Perspectives', curated by the National Museum, New Delhi, showcases the evolution of Buddhist traditions and their influence on India's artistic, historical and cultural landscape.
The Namsai exposition follows an overwhelming response at Bomdila, where more than 35,000 devotees visited Thubchog Gatsel Ling Monastery between November 8 and 13 to pay their respects. With over 31,000 people having attended the exposition at the historic Tawang Monastery between October 31 and November 7, the cumulative footfall at the two venues has crossed 66,000.
The exposition at Tawang was inaugurated in the presence of union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Chief Minister Pema Khandu.
The return of the sacred relics to Arunachal Pradesh after a gap of 13 years has provided Buddhist communities across the state an opportunity to offer prayers and seek blessings.
The exposition is being organised by the union Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the Arunachal Pradesh government, the National Museum and the International Buddhist Confederation.
The relics will remain at the Golden Pagoda until November 20 before being transported back to the National Museum in New Delhi on November 21.
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