MP Biplab Kumar Deb Attends Parliamentary Standing Committee Meeting in Kochi
PM Modi Inaugurates Grand International Exposition of Sacred Piprahwa Relics in New Delhi
Jan 03, 2026Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the Grand International Exposition of Sacred Piprahwa Relics, titled “The Light and the Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One,” at the Rai Pithora Cultural Complex in the national capital. He also unveiled the official catalogue of the exhibition.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said that the wisdom and path shown by Bhagwan Buddha belong to all of humanity and that his sacred relics are not merely archaeological artefacts but an inseparable part of India’s civilisation and spiritual heritage. He noted that, after a long wait, the country’s treasured heritage has returned, allowing people to have the sacred darshan of Lord Buddha’s relics and receive his blessings.
Mr Modi emphasised that India is not only the custodian of the sacred relics of Bhagwan Buddha but also a living carrier of his timeless teachings. Highlighting India’s commitment to preserving Buddhist heritage, he said continuous efforts are being made to develop and modernise Buddhist sites in India and across the world, with improved facilities for pilgrims.
Speaking on the importance of language in preserving Buddhist teachings, the Prime Minister said that Lord Buddha’s teachings were originally conveyed in Pali and that the government is working to expand its reach to a wider audience. He added that Pali has been accorded the status of a classical language.
The Piprahwa relics, discovered in 1898, hold a central place in the archaeological study of early Buddhism. They are among the earliest and most historically significant relic deposits directly associated with Bhagwan Buddha. Archaeological evidence links the Piprahwa site to ancient Kapilavastu, widely believed to be the place where Buddha spent his early life before renunciation.
The exposition brings together, for the first time, the Piprahwa relics preserved in the collections of the National Museum, New Delhi, and the Indian Museum, Kolkata, following their repatriation after more than a century.
Most Recent
