Guwahati: The sacred Piprahwa relics of Lord Shakyamuni Buddha arrived at the Golden Pagoda (Kongmu Kham) in Namsai district of Arunachal Pradesh on November 14, marking the final phase of a three-district exposition organised to commemorate Abhidhamma Divas, also known as Lhabab Duchen.
Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik received the sacred relics at Nalung Helipad on Saturday before they were taken to the Golden Pagoda for public veneration. Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein also attended the reception ceremony.
Highlighting the historical and spiritual significance of the occasion, Mein announced the arrival of the relics through a social media post.
“On the auspicious occasion of Abhidhamma Divas [Lhabab Duchen], Namsai receives the sacred Piprahwa relics of Lord Shakyamuni Buddha today,” he wrote.
Mein also highlighted the relics’ association with the ancient Shakya clan and the life of Lord Buddha.
The sacred relics will remain at the Golden Pagoda until November 20, offering devotees and visitors an opportunity to pay their respects.
Public viewing has been scheduled daily from 6 am to 4 pm throughout the seven-day exposition.
The arrival of the relics on Abhidhamma Divas, observed as Lhabab Duchen in Tibetan Buddhist traditions, adds religious significance to the programme. The occasion commemorates Lord Buddha’s descent from the heavenly realm.
Final leg of three-district exposition
The Namsai programme marks the conclusion of a three-location exposition across Arunachal Pradesh.
The first phase was held at Tawang Monastery from October 31 to November 7. The second phase took place at TGL Monastery in Bomdila, West Kameng district, from November 8 to 13.
Following the completion of the Bomdila programme, the relics arrived in Namsai on November 14 for the final phase of the exposition.
Through the three locations-Tawang, West Kameng and Namsai the exposition has brought the sacred relics to Buddhist communities across different parts of the state.
The Ministry of Culture, Government of India, is organising the programme in collaboration with the National Museum, New Delhi, and the International Buddhist Confederation.
The exposition provides devotees with an opportunity to view and venerate the Piprahwa relics, which hold considerable historical and religious significance for Buddhist communities worldwide. With their arrival at the Golden Pagoda, the final phase of the exposition is now underway and will continue until November 20.