In a profound gesture of spiritual and cultural fellowship, the Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha, enshrined at the National Museum, New Delhi, have arrived in the Kingdom of Bhutan for a public exposition from 8th to 18th November 2025.

The Indian delegation, led by Dr. Virendra Kumar, Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, comprises senior Buddhist monks and officials. The exposition marks another milestone in the enduring cultural and spiritual partnership between India and Bhutan.

 

Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, the sacred relics were received with deep reverence by the Home Minister of the Royal Government of Bhutan H.E.  Tshering, H.E. Tshoki Lopen of the Central Monastic Body of Bhutan, and the Mayor of Paro (Dzongkhag) Norbu Wangchuk, Ambassador of India to Bhutan Shri Sandeep Arya and senior officials and monks from Bhutan. Her Majesty the Royal Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck and  His Royal Highness Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck also paid their respect to the holy relics during the ceremony.

Following the ceremonial welcome, the Holy Relics were escorted to Tashichho Dzong’s Grand Kuenrey Hall in Thimphu, where they were enshrined with traditional religious rituals.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Virendra Kumar expressed his deep sense of honor in leading the Indian delegation, stating that “this exposition strengthens the cultural and spiritual ties between India and Bhutan, reinforcing the shared heritage of peace and compassion inspired by Lord Buddha.”

Prime Minister of Bhutan, Tshering Tobgay, conveyed heartfelt gratitude to the Government of India for bringing the sacred relics to Bhutan. He noted that the concept of the festival was envisioned by His Majesty the King of Bhutan as a symbol of global peace and harmony. The Prime Minister commended the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), calling the event “a significant milestone in Bhutan–India relations.” He also extended appreciation to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for facilitating this sacred visit, underscoring the deep-rooted spiritual and cultural ties between the two nations.

During the exposition, the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) will organize three thematic exhibitions to enrich the spiritual experience:

 

1.         Guru Padmasambhava: Tracing the Life and Sacred Sites of the ‘Precious Guru’ in India

2.         Sacred Legacy of the Shakyas: Excavation and Significance of Buddha Relics

3.         Life and Teachings of the Buddha: A Journey Through the Path to Enlightenment

Buddhism has been the cornerstone of Bhutanese identity for centuries, shaping its culture, governance, and philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH). From ancient sanctuaries such as Kyichu Lhakhang (7th century) to the iconic Paro Taktsang, the teachings of Guru Padmasambhava continue to inspire Bhutan’s spiritual life and national ethos.

 

This sacred exposition is part of India’s continuing tradition of sharing its Buddhist heritage with the world. It follows successful international relic exhibitions in Mongolia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Russia’s Kalmykia region, as well as the historic repatriation of the Piprahwa Jewel Relics to India, celebrated as a national moment of pride by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

The exposition in Bhutan stands as a timeless symbol of peace, compassion, and unity — reaffirming the spiritual bond that links the peoples of India and Bhutan through the eternal teachings of Lord Buddha.

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Sunil Kumar Tiwari

pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

(Release ID: 2187957)