ITANAGAR, Oct 27: The sacred relics of Lord Buddha will be exhibited at three major Buddhist destinations in Arunachal Pradesh from October 31 to November 20, offering devotees an opportunity to pay their respects and reflect on the teachings of peace, compassion and harmony, Chief Minister Pema Khandu said on Tuesday.
The exposition will be held at Tawang Monastery from October 31 to November 7, at Bomdila in West Kameng district from November 8 to 13, and at the Golden Pagoda in Namsai district from November 14 to 20.
Khandu invited devotees and visitors to participate in the historic spiritual event, describing it as an opportunity to celebrate Buddhist heritage and reconnect with the universal message of peace.
"Tawang will host the sacred exposition of the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha from October 31 to November 7, offering devotees and visitors a rare opportunity to pay their respects and reflect on the timeless teachings of peace, compassion and harmony," the Chief Minister said in a post on X.
"Join this sacred occasion and be part of a profound spiritual experience that celebrates Buddhist heritage and the universal message of peace," he added.
The exposition is expected to strengthen Arunachal Pradesh's longstanding links with Buddhism and highlight the state's rich religious and cultural traditions, officials said.
On Monday, Khandu launched the official website for the sacred exposition of the Holy Relics in the state, providing devotees and visitors with information about the event and enabling them to plan their visits.
The website will serve as a source of information and updates about the exposition, helping people learn about the programme and the arrangements for the event.
The sacred relics are associated with Piprahwa in Uttar Pradesh, a site widely linked to ancient Kapilavastu, where Gautama Buddha is believed to have spent his early life before renouncing worldly life and embarking on his spiritual quest.
The relics are preserved at the National Museum in New Delhi and are among the most important archaeological remains associated with the Buddha. They hold deep religious significance for Buddhists, who revere them as tangible links to the life and teachings of the founder of Buddhism. (PTI)