Maitreya Heart Shrine Relic Tour to arrive in Sikkim on 19 Nov, open to public on 25th

GANGTOK, 15 Nov: The Maitreya Heart Shrine Relic Tour wherein sacred relics of the Buddha and Buddhist masters are taken around the world, will be opened to devotees on 25 November at Tsuklakhang here in the palace compound. The relics will be on display for devotees till 01 December.
A meeting of the Relics Exposition Committee was held here to deliberate on preparations for the week-long tour when it is in the State.
It may be informed that the world tour will be in Sikkim from the evening of 19 November, which is also the date when the relics arrive at Bagdogra Airport from Bhutan where the relics have been for the past week.
After Bhutan, where around 65,000 devotees have thronged to see the relics thus far, the relics will make its journey through West Bengal and into Sikkim from Rangpo on 19 November.
At Rangpo check post, the Relics Exposition committee has organized a traditional reception by monks of Phodong Monastery. The relics will be received by members of the exposition committee and representatives of the state government at Bagdogra Airport.
After a rest, the exposition will open with ‘Trhue-sel Rab-ney’ on 24 November. Chief Minister Pawan Chamling is scheduled to be present as chief guest for the opening day, which, as per the organizers, is only for invitees.
The opening day will be attended by senior monks and other dignitaries including VIPs. Prayers will be performed by monks of Tsuklakhang monastery.
The second day, 25 November will see the Relics exposition and darshan which will be open for the general public till 30 November after which the closing ceremony will be held on 01 December.
It may also be informed that other organizations collaborating for the successful tour of the Maitreya Buddha Relics in Sikkim are Sikkim Buddhist Duechen Organization, Sikkim Buddhist Association, Himalayan Buddhist Cultural Association, Denzong Sherpa Buddhist Association, Denzong Lhade Tshogpa, Denzong Tashi Yargey Society, Gurung (Tamu) Buddhist Association, Sikkim Tamang Buddhist Association, Tadong Yargey Association, Machie Remed, Live to Love Association, Yargey Association of Tatangchen and Tulip Social Organization.
The donations collected from the tour will be used for the construction of the 150-ft tall bronze statue of Maitreya Buddha in Bodhgaya in which the relics will be enshrined at the end of the World Tour.
The Relics were collected over many years by Lama Zopa Rinpoche, the spiritual founder of the relic tour.