Prime Minister Modi inaugurates Grand International Exposition of Sacred Piprahwa Relics

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the wisdom and path shown by Bhagwan Buddha belong to all of humanity, and his sacred relics are not merely artefacts but part of the country’s revered heritage. He said, these relics are an inseparable part of its civilisation.

Mr. Modi today inaugurated the Grand International Exposition of Sacred Piprahwa Relics related to Bhagwan Buddha, titled The Light and the Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One, at the Rai Pithora Cultural Complex in New Delhi. He also unveiled the catalogue of this Exposition.

The Prime Minister said that, after a long wait, the country’s heritage has returned. He said, from today, the people of the country will be able to have the sacred darshan of these holy relics of Lord Buddha and receive his divine blessings. Mr. Modi emphasised that India is not only the custodian of the sacred relics of Lord Buddha, but also a living carrier of that timeless tradition.

Speaking about Buddhist heritage, the Prime Minister said India has made continuous efforts to contribute to the development of Buddhist heritage sites across the world. He said, Buddhist sites are being modernised today and new facilities are being built for the pilgrims.

Mr. Modi said that Lord Buddha’s teachings are originally in the Pali language and the effort of his government is to take Pali to the audience in a larger scale. He said, Pali has been accorded the status of a classical language.

Discovered in 1898, the Piprahwa relics hold a central place in the archaeological study of early Buddhism. These are among the earliest and most historically significant relic deposits directly connected to Bhagwan Buddha.  Archaeological evidence associates the Piprahwa site with ancient Kapilavastu, widely identified as the place where Bhagwan Buddha spent his early life prior to renunciation.

The Exposition brings together, for the first time, the Piprahwa relics repatriated after more than a century from Piprahwa that are preserved in the collections of the National Museum, New Delhi, and the Indian Museum, Kolkata.

Union Minister of Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said, this historic event marks the reunification of the Piprahwa gem relics of Lord Buddha, repatriated after 127 years. He said, it is a matter of inspiration and pride for the whole country. He said his Ministry is moving in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of development, with the preservation of the country’s heritage.

Mr. Shekhawat said that his Ministry is working towards the preservation of the country’s archaeological and cultural heritage, digitising manuscripts and strengthening the country’s cultural traditions.

The exposition highlights India’s deep and continuing civilizational link with the teachings of Lord  Buddha and reflects the Prime Minister’s commitment to preserve country’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage.

The recent repatriation of these relics has been achieved through sustained government effort, institutional cooperation and innovative public-private partnership.