Tawang, Sep 1: A coordination meeting regarding the Sacred Exposition of the Holy Relics of Shakyamuni Buddha, scheduled to be held in Tawang from 31st October to 7th November 2026, was convened under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Tawang Namgyal Angmo, IAS, at the DC Conference Hall this afternoon.

The meeting was attended by Zila Parishad Chairperson Leki Gombu; Superintendent of Police Tawang Tasi Darang; Director, Department of Karmik and Adhyatmik Affairs (DoKAA), Er. Thupten Kalden; Vice Chairperson, DoKAA, Sange Chodup; ADC Tawang Rinchin Leta; ADC Jang Hakraso Kri; ADC Lungla Tashi Dhondup; ZPM Kyidphel Tenzin Monpa; ZPM Tawang Sonam Nordzin; ZPM Mukto Pema Tsering, representatives of monasteries and nunneries, Tawang Brigade, Heads of Offices and other stakeholders.

Briefing the house, Director DoKAA Er. Thupten Kalden highlighted the significance of the sacred relics and reviewed the previous exposition held in Tawang in 2013. He informed that around 26,000 devotees had the opportunity to have sacred Darshan during the previous exposition and anticipated that the number of devotees could be significantly higher this time.

Tenzin Jorden, Chairman and State Coordinator of the State-Level Coordination Committee, gave a detailed presentation on the proposed district-level coordination mechanism and the security arrangements required for the smooth conduct of the exposition. He informed that the larger objective of the sacred exposition is to carry to the world the timeless message of peace, compassion and harmony taught by Lord Buddha.

He also briefed the participants on coordination meetings held at various levels, from the national to the district level, and discussed the proposed routes, objectives and activities that could be undertaken by monasteries, religious institutions and the general public ahead of the arrival of the sacred relics.

Addressing the meeting, Vice Chairperson DoKAA Sange Chodup described the exposition as a rare and blessed opportunity, particularly as it coincides with the auspicious occasion of Lhabab Düchen. He observed that the event goes beyond religious significance, as the teachings of Lord Buddha, given more than 2,500 years ago, continue to remain deeply relevant to humanity and offer a universal message of peace, compassion and coexistence.

He further stated that India takes immense pride in being the land where Lord Buddha was born and where Buddhism flourished and spread its message across the world. He said pilgrims from neighbouring countries, including Bhutan and Nepal, may also visit Tawang during the exposition, making timely and wide dissemination of information essential. He stressed the need to utilise various media platforms, including the Department of Information and Public Relations and Akashvani, to ensure that information regarding the programme, Darshan timings and related arrangements reaches devotees well in advance.

He also referred to the development of the Buddhist Circuit and described the forthcoming exposition as a blessed opportunity for the people of Tawang and devotees from across the region. He expressed gratitude to the Government of India and the Government of Arunachal Pradesh for facilitating the sacred exposition.

ZPC Tawang Leki Gombu expressed gratitude to all concerned for initiating the sacred exposition and called upon PRI members to ensure that information, including the detailed programme and Darshan timings, reaches every village. He also requested the Border Roads Organisation to facilitate its workers in availing the opportunity for Darshan, as the scheduled timings may not coincide with their weekly holiday.

Referring to the recent remarks of H.E. Samdhong Rinpoche appreciating Tawang for its rich and well-preserved culture and traditions, the ZPC emphasised the responsibility of the people to uphold these values. He also suggested that people may voluntarily observe a vegetarian diet during the period of the sacred exposition as a mark of reverence and compassion. He also expressed his gratitude to Honble Prime Minister Narendra Modi,Union Culture minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Honble Chief Minister Pema Khandu for facilitating this rare blessed opportunity for the people of the region.

Chairing the meeting, Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo, IAS emphasised that the Sacred Relics Exposition will be an event of immense spiritual and public importance and is expected to draw a large gathering of devotees. She called for wholehearted cooperation and collective responsibility from every department, institution, organisation and individual for its successful conduct.

The Deputy Commissioner stressed that an event of such magnitude cannot be managed by the efforts of only a few departments and therefore requires coordinated participation from all stakeholders. She particularly emphasised cleanliness and proper waste management, urging everyone to make cleanliness a regular practice and to raise the subject consistently at every public and institutional forum.

She informed that the next coordination meeting will be held with delegates and technical experts concerned with the sacred relics, during which detailed discussions will be undertaken on the technical aspects, logistics, security, crowd management, infrastructure and other minute requirements for the exposition.

The meeting concluded with detailed deliberations among the participating departments and stakeholders on ensuring coordinated preparations for the smooth, safe and dignified conduct of the Sacred Exposition of the Holy Relics of Shakyamuni Buddha in Tawang from 31st October to 7th November 2026, with the overarching message of peace, compassion and harmony for humanity. (DIPRO)