ITANAGAR, Nov 1: The sacred relics of Lord Shakyamuni Buddha are now open for public darshan at Gaden Namgyal Lhatse, popularly known as Tawang Monastery, offering devotees and visitors an opportunity to pay homage to the Enlightened One.
The exposition, which has returned to Tawang after 13 years, will remain open to the public from November 1 to 7.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu, who attended the inaugural ceremony on Saturday, described the occasion as a rare opportunity for devotees to offer prayers and seek blessings from the sacred relics.
He expressed hope that the teachings of Bhagwan Buddha would continue to inspire peace, harmony and compassion across the world.
Alongside the sacred exposition, visitors can also explore two special exhibitions showcasing different aspects of Buddhist history, civilisation and cultural heritage.
The exhibition titled ‘Unearthing the Sacred Piprahwa: The Story of the Holy Buddha Relics and Their Discovery’ traces the archaeological history of the relics, including their discovery in 1898 and their significance in Buddhist tradition.
Another exhibition, ‘Crossroads of Dhamma: Classical Legacies, Living Art, and Anthropological Perspectives’, curated by the National Museum, New Delhi, in collaboration with the Indian Museum, Kolkata, presents the historical, artistic and cultural evolution of Buddhism.
The accompanying exhibitions offer visitors an opportunity to understand the historical journey of Buddhist civilisation and the enduring influence of its philosophy, art and traditions.
The exposition is part of the wider 20-day programme taking the sacred relics across Tawang, West Kameng and Namsai districts, providing devotees in different parts of Arunachal Pradesh an opportunity to pay their respects.