Sacred relics of Lord Buddha reach Bomdila monastery; Public darshan open till Nov 13
Babushahi Bureau/PIB
Bomdila (Arunachal Pradesh), November 9, 2026: 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 and have been enshrined there for public darshan until November 13.
The exposition is being organised by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in collaboration with the National Museum, New Delhi, the Arunachal Pradesh Government and the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC).
Around 4,000 devotees visited the monastery on the first day of the exposition on November 8 to pay their respects and offer prayers. Buddhist monks, dignitaries, senior citizens and persons with disabilities were also among those who attended.
From November 9 to 13, devotees from Bomdila constituency and neighbouring constituencies are scheduled to visit the monastery for darshan and 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, National Museum and 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.
The relics subsequently proceeded towards Bomdila, with a ceremonial halt at Upper Gompa before being taken to Thubchog Gatsel Ling Monastery for enshrinement.
Following the enshrinement, two special exhibitions showcasing the historical, spiritual and cultural heritage of Buddhism and the sacred relics were inaugurated by Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona in the presence of Padma Shri awardee the 12th Guru Trulku Rinpoche. The exhibitions have been organised by the IBC and the National Museum.
The Bomdila exposition follows the conclusion of a seven-day public exposition at Gaden Namgyal Lhatse (Tawang Monastery) on November 7, which attracted thousands of devotees and visitors from Tawang and neighbouring areas.
After the Bomdila programme, the sacred relics will be taken to the Golden Pagoda in Namsai, where public darshan will be available from November 14 to 20. They are scheduled to return to the National Museum, New Delhi, on November 21.