Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will inaugurate a landmark international exposition titled “The Light and the Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One” on January 3, 2026, at 11:00 AM, at the Rai Pithora Cultural Complex, New Delhi. Hosted by the Ministry of Culture, the exposition showcases the sacred Piprahwa Relics, reliquaries, and gem relics of Lord Buddha, recently repatriated to India after more than a century, marking a historic moment in India’s cultural and spiritual journey.
Historic Reunification of the Piprahwa Relics
The exposition marks the reunification of the Piprahwa gem relics of Lord Buddha after 127 years, bringing together relics discovered during the 1898 excavation, treasures from subsequent 1971–1975 excavations, and the recently repatriated relics from the Peppé family collection.
This unprecedented assembly reunites, for the first time since 1898, the most comprehensive collection of artefacts associated with the Buddha, underscoring their immense historical, philosophical, and spiritual significance.
About the Exposition: “The Light and the Lotus”
Titled “The Light and the Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One,” the exposition thematically presents antiquities and works of art curated from several cultural institutions under the Ministry of Culture. The exhibition features over 80 rare objects, spanning from the 6th century BCE to the present, including:
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Sculptures
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Manuscripts
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Thangkas
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Ritual objects
These artefacts collectively represent the largest assemblage attributed to Lord Buddha, reflecting masterful craftsmanship, deep philosophical symbolism, and Buddhism’s enduring global influence.
Key Highlights of the Exhibition
For the first time since the original excavation, the exposition brings together:
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Relics from the 1898 Kapilavastu excavation
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Treasures from the 1972 excavations
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Reliquaries and jewelled artefacts from the Indian Museum, Kolkata
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Repatriated relics from the Peppé family collection
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The Monolithic Stone Coffer in which the sacred gem relics and reliquaries were originally discovered
Legacy of the Piprahwa Relics
The sacred relics were discovered in 1898 by William Claxton Peppé at the ancient Kapilavastu stupa in present-day Uttar Pradesh. Following the discovery, portions of the relics were distributed internationally—one gifted to the King of Siam, another taken to England, and a third preserved at the Indian Museum, Kolkata.
In July 2025, the Peppé family-held relics were successfully repatriated to India through a decisive intervention by the Ministry of Culture, supported by Buddhist communities worldwide. The repatriation halted an international auction at Sotheby’s Hong Kong and stands as a major cultural diplomacy achievement.
India’s Global Spiritual and Cultural Leadership
The exposition reinforces India’s role as the birthplace of Buddhism and highlights its growing stature as a global spiritual and cultural leader. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India has increasingly drawn upon its civilizational heritage in global engagement. To date, 642 antiquities have been repatriated, with the return of the Piprahwa relics regarded as one of the most significant milestones.
Distinguished Participation at the Inauguration
The inauguration ceremony will be attended by:
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Union Ministers
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Ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps
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Venerable Buddhist monks
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Senior government officials
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Scholars and heritage experts
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Members of the art fraternity, art enthusiasts, followers of Buddhism, and students
Conclusion
The inauguration of “The Light and the Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One” marks a historic celebration of India’s spiritual legacy and its enduring commitment to heritage preservation. By reuniting the sacred Piprahwa relics and sharing them with the world, the exposition stands as a powerful symbol of India’s civilizational continuity, cultural leadership, and responsibility as the birthplace of the Buddha Dhamma. Hosted by the Ministry of Culture, the exposition showcases the sacred Piprahwa Relics, reliquaries, and gem relics of Lord Buddha, recently repatriated to India after more than a century, marking a historic moment in India’s cultural and spiritual journey.
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Source: PIB
