TAWANG, NOV 1:

Chief Minister Pema Khandu unveiled the Sacred Relics of Shakyamuni Buddha at the Tawang Monastery on Saturday, opening them for public darshan from November 1 to 7.

The rare public exposition of the sacred relics is expected to draw devotees and visitors, offering an opportunity to pay homage to Lord Buddha and reflect on his teachings of peace, compassion and universal brotherhood.

Earlier, Khandu inaugurated two exhibitions highlighting the historical, spiritual and cultural legacy of Buddhist civilisation.

The first exhibition, Unearthing the Sacred Piprahwa: The Story of the Holy Buddha Relics and Their Discovery, traces the archaeological journey of the Piprahwa relics, discovered in 1898, and explores their historical and spiritual significance in Buddhism.

The second 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, showcases the historical, artistic and cultural evolution of Buddhism. Hosted at Parkhang, the traditional block-printing building of Tawang Monastery, it offers visitors insights into the rich Buddhist heritage.

The celebrations also featured a cultural carnival through Old Market, Tawang, where performances and cultural presentations highlighted the traditions of the Monpa community and the region’s diverse cultural heritage.

The week-long exposition of the Sacred Relics, along with the exhibitions and cultural programmes, places Tawang at the centre of a significant spiritual and cultural gathering, further highlighting its importance as a Buddhist destination.