The sacred relics of Shakyamuni Buddha arrived at Thubchog Gatsel Ling (TGL) Monastery, also known as Lower Gompa, in Bomdila, Arunachal Pradesh, on November 8, 2026, and were enshrined for public viewing.
The relics will remain open for public darshan from November 8 to 13. The exposition is being organised by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the National Museum, New Delhi, the Arunachal Pradesh government and the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), New Delhi.
Around 4,000 devotees visited the monastery on the first day of the exposition on November 8 to offer prayers and pay their respects. Buddhist monks, dignitaries, senior citizens and persons with disabilities were also among those who attended the event.
Devotees from Bomdila and neighbouring constituencies are expected to visit the monastery from November 9 to 13 to seek blessings and offer prayers.
The sacred relics were transported from Tawang to Bomdila aboard an Indian Air Force Chinook helicopter, accompanied by Bhikkhu Khemachara, Deputy Secretary General of the IBC, and officials from the Ministry of Culture, the National Museum and the IBC.
At the Army Helipad in Rupa, the relics were received with due protocol by Pasang Dorjee Sona, Arunachal Pradesh Minister for Education, Tourism, Rural Works Department and Public Libraries. A Guard of Honour was also presented on the occasion.
The relics subsequently proceeded towards Bomdila, with a brief ceremonial halt at Upper Gompa before being taken to Thubchog Gatsel Ling Monastery for enshrinement.
Following the enshrinement ceremony, two special exhibitions were inaugurated at the monastery by Sona in the presence of Padma Shri awardee and the 12th Guru Trulku Rinpoche.
Organised by the IBC and the National Museum, the exhibitions showcase the historical, spiritual and cultural heritage associated with Buddhism and the sacred relics.
The Bomdila exposition follows the conclusion of a seven-day public exhibition at Gaden Namgyal Lhatse, popularly known as Tawang Monastery, on November 7. Thousands of devotees and visitors from various blocks of Tawang and neighbouring areas attended the exposition to offer prayers and pay their respects.
Following the Bomdila programme, the sacred relics will be taken to the Golden Pagoda in Namsai, where they will be available for public darshan from November 14 to 20. They are scheduled to return to the National Museum in New Delhi on November 21, 2026.
-PIB
