Sacred Buddha Relics Reach Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh

The sacred Piprahwa relics of Buddha have arrived in Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh, after a six-day exposition in Bomdila. This marks the final leg of their spiritual journey across three districts. The relics, linked to the ancient Shakya clan, hold immense significance for Buddhists worldwide. Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein highlighted the importance of this event, coinciding with Abhidhamma Divas. The relics will be on display at the Golden Pagoda until November 20 before returning to the National Museum in New Delhi. Their historical significance dates back to 1898 when they were excavated by British engineer William Claxton Peppe.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 14, 2026, 14:52 IST

Arrival of Sacred Relics in Namsai

Devotees carry the sacred relics, kept in the yellow bag, during their ceremonial departure from Bomdila for Namsai. (Photo:@DBomdila/X)

Itanagar, Nov 14: The revered Piprahwa relics of Buddha have arrived in Namsai district, Arunachal Pradesh, after a six-day display in Bomdila, West Kameng district, marking the conclusion of their spiritual journey across three districts in the state.

These relics, linked to the ancient Shakya clan and the life of Lord Buddha, are of great spiritual and historical importance to Buddhist communities worldwide, as noted by Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein.

Upon their arrival at the Golden Pagoda in Namsai, Buddhists and visitors were given the chance to pay their respects to the sacred remains of Lord Buddha, according to Mein.

In a social media update, Mein emphasized the significance of this event for the Buddhist community in the state, underlining the relics' profound spiritual and historical relevance.

"On the auspicious occasion of Abhidhamma Divas (Lhabab Duchen), Namsai welcomes the sacred Piprahwa relics of Lord Shakyamuni Buddha today," he shared on social media.

The relics, which are housed at the National Museum in New Delhi, were brought to Arunachal Pradesh on October 31 and were ceremonially welcomed at the historic Tawang Monastery by Chief Minister Pema Khandu.

During their seven-day exhibition at Tawang Monastery, approximately 31,000 devotees and visitors came to pay homage to the relics.

Following Tawang, the relics were taken to Bomdila, where they were enshrined at TGL Monastery (Lower Gompa) from November 8 to 13.

On Saturday, the relics were transported from Bomdila to Namsai for the final phase of the exposition, which will be held at the Golden Pagoda until November 20.

They are expected to return to the National Museum in New Delhi on November 21.

The relics gained international recognition in 1898 when British engineer William Claxton Peppe excavated an ancient stupa at Piprahwa, uncovering stone and crystal reliquaries containing bone fragments and valuable artifacts.

An inscription on one of the reliquaries mentions the relics of Buddha and their enshrinement by the Shakya clan, officials reported.