TAWANG, SEP 1:
A coordination meeting to review preparations for the Sacred Exposition of the Holy Relics of Shakyamuni Buddha, scheduled to be held in Tawang from October 31 to November 7, 2026, was convened under the chairmanship of Tawang Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo at the DC Conference Hall on Tuesday.
The meeting was attended by Tawang Zila Parishad Chairperson Leki Gombu, Tawang Superintendent of Police Tasi Darang, Karmik and Adhyatmik Affairs (DoKAA) Director Er. Thupten Kalden, DoKAA Vice Chairperson Sange Chodup, Tawang ADC Rinchin Leta, Jang ADC Hakraso Kri, Lungla ADC Tashi Dhondup, ZPMs, representatives of monasteries and nunneries, Tawang Brigade, heads of offices and other stakeholders.
Briefing the meeting, DoKAA Director Er. Thupten Kalden highlighted the spiritual significance of the sacred relics and reviewed the previous exposition held in Tawang in 2013, when around 26,000 devotees had the opportunity to receive sacred Darshan. He said the forthcoming exposition is expected to attract a significantly larger number of devotees.
State-Level Coordination Committee Chairman and State Coordinator Tenzin Jorden presented the proposed district-level coordination mechanism and security arrangements for the exposition. He said the larger objective was to carry the timeless message of peace, compassion and harmony taught by Lord Buddha to people across the world.
Jorden also briefed the participants on coordination meetings held at various levels and discussed proposed routes, objectives and activities to be undertaken by monasteries, religious institutions and the public ahead of the arrival of the relics.
DoKAA Vice Chairperson Sange Chodup described the exposition as a rare and blessed opportunity, particularly as it coincides with the auspicious occasion of Lhabab Düchen. He said the event carried significance beyond religion, as the teachings of Lord Buddha, delivered more than 2,500 years ago, continue to offer a universal message of peace, compassion and coexistence.
Chodup said the exposition could also attract pilgrims from neighbouring countries, including Bhutan and Nepal, making timely dissemination of information on the programme, Darshan timings and related arrangements essential. He stressed the need to utilise various media platforms, including the Department of Information and Public Relations and Akashvani, to reach devotees well in advance.
Referring to the development of the Buddhist Circuit, he described the exposition as a significant opportunity for Tawang and devotees across the region and expressed gratitude to the Government of India and the Government of Arunachal Pradesh for facilitating the event.
Tawang Zila Parishad Chairperson Leki Gombu called upon Panchayati Raj Institution members to ensure that information about the exposition, including the programme and Darshan timings, reaches every village. He also requested the Border Roads Organisation to facilitate its personnel in availing the opportunity for Darshan, particularly where the scheduled timings may not coincide with their weekly holidays.
Gombu emphasised the responsibility of the people to preserve Tawang’s rich cultural and traditional heritage. He also suggested that people may voluntarily observe a vegetarian diet during the exposition as a mark of reverence and compassion.
Chairing the meeting, Tawang Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo emphasised the spiritual and public importance of the exposition and called for collective responsibility and wholehearted cooperation from all departments, institutions, organisations and individuals.
She stressed that an event of such magnitude could not be managed by a few departments alone and required coordinated participation from all stakeholders. She particularly emphasised cleanliness and proper waste management, urging people and institutions to make cleanliness a regular practice and raise the issue consistently at public and institutional forums.
Angmo informed that the next coordination meeting would be held with delegates and technical experts associated with the sacred relics, where detailed discussions would focus on technical requirements, logistics, security, crowd management, infrastructure and other arrangements.
The meeting concluded with deliberations on coordinated preparations to ensure the smooth, safe and dignified conduct of the Sacred Exposition of the Holy Relics of Shakyamuni Buddha in Tawang from October 31 to November 7, with the overarching message of peace, compassion and harmony. (DIPR)
