Ministry of Culture
Honoured to bring back the Sacred Buddha Relics to India after their blessed exposition in Bhutan: Union Minister Shri Kiren Rijiju
Sacred Relics Return to India After 17-Day Exposition in Bhutan; His Majesty The King of Bhutan Graces Ceremonial Departure
Posted On:
25 NOV 2025 8:02PM by PIB Delhi
The Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha returned to India today after a spiritually enriching 17-day exposition in Bhutan, marking a profound moment in India–Bhutan friendship rooted in shared Buddhist heritage.
Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju, accompanied the Holy Relics on their return journey and expressed deep gratitude to the leadership and people of Bhutan for their exceptional warmth, devotion, and ceremonial honour.
Shri Rijiju said he was “honoured to bring back the sacred Buddha Relics to India after their blessed exposition in Bhutan. Bhutan’s profound reverence for the Holy Relics inspires deeper harmony between the peoples of India and Bhutan. I am deeply touched by His Majesty The King of Bhutan’s personal care and gracious presence during the ceremonial departure.”
He also conveyed heartfelt thanks to the Prime Minister of Bhutan, members of the Bhutanese Cabinet, the Laytshog Lopen of the Central Monastic Body, venerable monks, and the Royal Government of Bhutan for the meticulous arrangements made for the Holy Relics and for the memorable visit of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to Bhutan on 11 November 2025.
Upon arrival at Palam Airport today, the Holy Relics were received by IBC Director General Shri Abhijit Halder, monks, senior officials from the Ministry of Culture and National Museum.
Ceremonial Departure from Bhutan-
The Sacred Buddha Piprahwa Relics were enshrined at the Grand Kuenray Hall of Trashichhodzong, Thimphu, from 8 to 25 November 2025 as part of the Global Peace Prayer Festival, drawing tens of thousands of devotees who offered prayers and sought blessings.
This morning, His Majesty The King of Bhutan graced the special prayers offered at the Grand Kuenray before the Relics were taken in state procession to Paro International Airport for their respectful return to India.
The ceremonial event was attended by the Prime Minister of Bhutan, Laytshog Lopen, the Home Minister, the Health Minister of Bhutan, along with venerable monks from India and Bhutan. His Majesty also met with Union Minister Shri Kiren Rijiju, who travelled to Bhutan specifically to accompany the Relics home.
Escorted with full honours, the Holy Relics departed Bhutan aboard a special flight, symbolising the timeless spiritual bond and enduring friendship between the two nations.
A Symbol of Shared Heritage-
Among the most revered objects in the Buddhist world, the Sacred Buddha Relics were brought to Bhutan as a special gesture of friendship from India. Their exposition evoked immense devotion across Bhutan and reaffirmed the cultural and spiritual bridge that continues to unite both countries.
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Sunil Kumar Tiwari
pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com
(Release ID: 2194300)
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