Itanagar, Nov 6 (PTI): Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen (Retd) K T Parnaik on Friday said the exposition of the

Itanagar, Nov 6 (PTI): Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen (Retd) K T Parnaik on Friday said the exposition of the

Itanagar, Nov 6 (PTI): Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen (Retd) K T Parnaik on Friday said the exposition of the

Itanagar, Nov 6 (PTI): Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen (Retd) K T Parnaik on Friday said the exposition of the sacred relics of Lord Buddha in the state would strengthen Buddhist heritage, deepen spiritual bonds and promote peace, compassion and harmony in society.

    He said the exposition would provide devotees a rare opportunity to pay their respects to the sacred relics and draw inspiration from the teachings of Lord Buddha, particularly non-violence and peaceful coexistence, an official statement said.

    Parnaik added that the exposition was not only a religious event but also an opportunity to reflect on the values of inner peace, ethical conduct, kindness and respect for all living beings.

    He expressed hope that the sacred occasion would awaken compassion among people, inspire the younger generation to cherish India's spiritual heritage and strengthen the collective resolve to build a peaceful, inclusive and harmonious society.

    On behalf of the people of the state, the governor also expressed gratitude to the Union Ministry of Culture, National Museum in New Delhi, International Buddhist Confederation and the Holy Relics of Shakyamuni Buddha Darshan Coordination Committee, Itanagar, for facilitating the exposition.

    The exposition is being organised by the Union Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the state government and the International Buddhist Confederation.

    The sacred relics arrived at the historic Gaden Namgyal Lhatse (Tawang Monastery) on October 31 and were ceremonially received in the presence of religious leaders, monks and devotees.

    After the exposition at Tawang, which will continue till November 7, the relics will be taken to TGL Monastery (Lower Gompa) at Bomdila in West Kameng district on November 8, where they will remain for public veneration till November 13.

    They will subsequently move to the Golden Pagoda in Namsai district on November 14 and remain there till November 20.

    The sacred relics, known as the Piprahwa relics, were discovered in 1898 by British engineer William Claxton Peppé during excavations of an ancient stupa at Piprahwa in Uttar Pradesh's Siddharthnagar district, an archaeological site associated with ancient Kapilavastu and the Shakya clan of Lord Buddha, officials said.

    The discovery included bone fragments and other valuable objects believed to be associated with the mortal remains of Buddha.

    Further excavations by the Archaeological Survey of India between 1971 and 1977 unearthed 22 additional bone relics.

    The relics preserved at the National Museum in New Delhi hold immense historical, archaeological and spiritual significance for Buddhists across the world.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)