Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today inaugurated the Grand International Exposition “The Light and the Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One” at the Rai Pithora Cultural Complex, New Delhi. Organised by the Ministry of Culture, this landmark exposition brings together for the first time in over a century the most comprehensive assemblage of the sacred Piprahwa Relics, relic gems and reliquaries of Lord Buddha, including those recently repatriated to India.

Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said: “After a wait of 127 years, India’s heritage has returned and the nation’s treasured legacy has come back home. From today, the people of India will be able to have darshan of these sacred relics of Lord Buddha and receive His blessings.”

Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, said that the presence of the  Prime Minister, who has the rare ability to translate the spirit of India into the actions of governance, is always a moment of inspiration and significance. He added that welcoming the Prime Minister on this historic occasion was a matter of immense pride for all.

The inauguration marks a historic moment in India’s cultural and spiritual journey, commemorating the reunification of the Piprahwa relics after 127 years. The collection includes relics from the 1898 excavation at Kapilavastu, findings from the 1972–75 excavations, treasures preserved at the Indian Museum, Kolkata, and the Peppé family collection, repatriated to India in July 2025 following the decisive intervention of the Government of India that halted their auction abroad.

Upon arrival, the Prime Minister was received by Chief Minister of Delhi, Smt. Rekha Gupta; Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat; Union Minister for Minority Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju; Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena; Minister of State for Culture, Shri Rao Inderjit Singh; and Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri Ramdas Athawale.

During his visit, the Prime Minister undertook a walkthrough of the exhibition and offered khataak and rose petals at the sculpture of the Seated Buddha. He consecrated an ancient seal excavated from the Piprahwa site, planted a Bodhi tree sapling, signed the Visitors’ Book, released the Exhibition Catalogue, and offered Chivar Daan to the venerable Buddhist monks present.

Curated under the theme “The Light and the Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One,” the exposition showcases over 80 exceptional objects, dating from the 6th century BCE to the present day. These include sculptures, manuscripts, thangkas, ritual objects, reliquaries and jewelled treasures. At its core is the monolithic stone coffer in which the sacred relics were originally discovered.

The Piprahwa relics, unearthed in 1898 by William Claxton Peppé at the ancient stupa site identified with Kapilavastu, are among the most significant archaeological discoveries related to the life of the Buddha. Their reunification today stands as a powerful testament to India’s unwavering commitment to reclaiming, preserving and honouring its cultural patrimony.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s global engagement has increasingly drawn upon its civilisational and spiritual heritage. To date, 642 antiquities have been repatriated to India, with the return of the Piprahwa relics representing a landmark achievement in cultural diplomacy and heritage preservation.

The inauguration was attended by Union Ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, ambassadors, venerable Buddhist monks, senior government officials, scholars, heritage experts, members of the art fraternity, students, and followers of Buddhism from India and abroad.

The exposition reaffirms the Ministry of Culture’s commitment to heritage preservation and cultural leadership, while celebrating India’s unique position as the birthplace of the Buddha Dhamma and its enduring dedication to sharing its civilisational legacy with the world.

Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said: “After a wait of 125 years, India’s heritage has returned and the nation’s treasured legacy has come back home. From today, the people of India will be able to have darshan of these sacred relics of Lord Buddha and receive His blessings.”

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Sunil Kumar Tiwari

pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com