The Ministry of Culture will hold an exposition of the holy relics of Shakyamuni Buddha in Arunachal Pradesh from October 31 to November 21, according to a Press Information Bureau release. It is being organised with the Arunachal Pradesh government, the International Buddhist Confederation and the National Museum, New Delhi.
Where and when
The relics will be shown at three centres of Buddhist faith in the State: Tawang, Bomdila and Namsai. Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat is due to attend the opening at Tawang Monastery (Gaden Namgyal Lhatse) on October 31.
The journey
The relics, kept at the National Museum in New Delhi, will leave the museum with ceremonies on the night of October 30. They are due to fly from Air Force Station Palam early on October 31 on a special Indian Air Force aircraft to Guwahati, and then by helicopter to Tawang, where they will be installed at the monastery.
Why it matters
Tawang Monastery is one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in India, and Arunachal Pradesh has a large Buddhist population. The ministry said the exposition reflects the government's commitment to preserving and sharing India's Buddhist heritage and strengthening ties with Buddhist communities in India and abroad. For devotees in the north-east, it is a rare chance to see the relics without travelling to Delhi.