Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Grand International Exposition “The Light and the Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One” at the Rai Pithora Cultural Complex on 03 January 2026, marking a defining moment in India’s cultural and spiritual journey. Organised by the Ministry of Culture, the exposition brings together—after more than a century—the most comprehensive assemblage of the sacred Piprahwa relics of Lord Buddha, including relics recently repatriated to India.
‘India’s Treasured Legacy Has Come Back Home’: Prime Minister
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the occasion as historic, stating that after a wait of 125 years, India’s heritage has returned and the nation’s treasured legacy has come back home. He emphasised that the exposition would enable people across the country to have darshan of the sacred relics of Lord Buddha and receive His blessings, reaffirming India’s deep civilisational connection with the Buddha Dhamma.
Union Culture Minister Highlights Cultural Leadership
Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that the Prime Minister’s presence, marked by his rare ability to translate the spirit of India into governance, is always a moment of inspiration and significance. He noted that welcoming the Prime Minister on this historic occasion was a matter of immense pride and reflected India’s renewed cultural confidence on the global stage.
Historic Reunification of the Piprahwa Relics
The inauguration commemorates the reunification of the Piprahwa relics after nearly 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, which was repatriated to India in July 2025 following decisive intervention by the Government of India that halted their auction abroad.
Prime Minister’s Ceremonial Participation
Upon arrival, the Prime Minister was received by senior dignitaries, including the Chief Minister of Delhi and Union Ministers. During his visit, he undertook a walkthrough of the exhibition and performed several ceremonial acts: offering khataak and rose petals at the sculpture of the Seated Buddha, consecrating an ancient seal excavated from Piprahwa, planting a Bodhi tree sapling, signing the Visitors’ Book, releasing the Exhibition Catalogue, and offering Chivar Daan to the venerable Buddhist monks present.
Exposition Showcases Over 80 Rare Objects
Curated under the theme “The Light and the Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One,” the exposition presents over 80 exceptional artefacts dating from the 6th century BCE to the present day. These include sculptures, manuscripts, thangkas, ritual objects, reliquaries, and jewelled treasures. At the heart of the exhibition lies the monolithic stone coffer in which the sacred relics were originally discovered, offering visitors a rare and immersive encounter with Buddhist heritage.
Cultural Diplomacy and Repatriation Milestone
The Piprahwa relics, unearthed in 1898 by William Claxton Peppé at the ancient stupa site identified with Kapilavastu, rank among the most significant archaeological discoveries associated with the life of the Buddha. Their reunification stands as a powerful testament to India’s commitment to reclaiming, preserving, and honouring its cultural patrimony. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, 642 antiquities have been repatriated to India to date, with the return of the Piprahwa relics marking a landmark achievement in cultural diplomacy and heritage preservation.
Wide Participation from India and Abroad
The inauguration was attended by Union Ministers, members of the diplomatic corps and ambassadors, venerable Buddhist monks, senior government officials, scholars, heritage experts, members of the art fraternity, students, and followers of Buddhism from India and across the world—reflecting the global resonance of the Buddha’s message.
Conclusion
The inauguration of “The Light and the Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One” reaffirms India’s unique position as the birthplace of the Buddha Dhamma and its enduring dedication to sharing its civilisational legacy with humanity. As the Piprahwa relics return home after more than a century, the exposition stands as a symbol of India’s cultural resurgence, spiritual continuity, and leadership in preserving the shared heritage of the world.
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Source: PIB
