The Holy Relics of Lord Buddha, a designated National Treasure of India, have been ceremoniously returned to India following a historic and spiritually significant week-long exposition in the Republic of Kalmykia, Russia. The Indian delegation, led by His Excellency Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha, departed from Elista, the capital of Kalmykia, on Sunday, concluding the event held from October 11th to 18th, 2025.

The exposition, organized by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), the National Museum, and the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), aimed to celebrate the shared Buddhist heritage and strengthen the deep-rooted people-to-people ties between India and Russia.

A special ceremony was held at the Central Temple, “the Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni,” in Elista to mark the conclusion of the exposition. Addressing revered monks and devotees, Lieutenant Governor Sinha reflected on the profound impact of the event.

“The Holy Relics of Lord Buddha are back home after a week-long exposition in Kalmykia, Russia. This exposition underscored our commitment to foster mutual understanding, build trust and cooperation, and create lasting connections through shared spiritual experiences,” the Lieutenant Governor stated.

He emphasized that while the physical relics have returned, “Lord Buddha’s enduring presence in Kalmykia will continue to guide seekers for their own awakening.” He described the past week as “historic and filled with blessings,” bringing joy and spiritual fulfilment to the people of Kalmykia.

In his address, Lt. Governor Sinha elaborated on the timeless relevance of Lord Buddha's teachings, calling upon humanity to build a world rooted in kindness, wisdom, and justice. “We must build a world full of kindness, free of all discrimination, and in which humanity lives in harmony with nature. I strongly believe Buddha’s teachings will provide humanity a roadmap in this direction,” he said.

Highlighting the diplomatic importance of the event, the Lieutenant Governor affirmed that “the cultural and spiritual exchange between India and Russia remains one of the highest priorities,” noting that it is based on a “shared belief in the enduring values of peace, spiritual ethos, and compassionate living.”

He concluded by reminding attendees of the core of Buddha’s message: “Be a Light unto Yourself – look within as the light and pure awareness is within you.”

The successful exposition of the Holy Relics has served to deepen the spiritual connection between the two nations, reinforcing a shared heritage and a common vision for peace and mindfulness for future generations.

This exposition was a collaborative effort by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), the National Museum, and the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), working to promote India's rich cultural and spiritual heritage across the globe.

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Sunil Kumar Tiwari

pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

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