New Delhi, 2 January: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate a grand international exhibition of sacred relics related to Lord Buddha at the Rai Pithora Cultural Complex in Delhi on Saturday. The exhibition, titled “The Light and The Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One,” will begin at 11 am.
On the social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi wrote, “This exhibition aligns with our commitment to popularise the noble thoughts of Lord Buddha. It is also an effort to deepen the bond between our youth and our rich culture. I would also like to appreciate all those who worked to bring these relics back.”
He further stated that 3 January will be a very special day for enthusiasts of history, culture, and the ideals of Lord Buddha. The grand international exhibition of the sacred Piprahwa relics associated with Buddha will be inaugurated at 11 am at the Rai Pithora Cultural Complex in Delhi.
PM Modi added, “The Piprahwa relics, brought back after more than a century, include authentic relics and archaeological materials preserved in the National Museum, New Delhi, and the Indian Museum, Kolkata.”
The exhibition is arranged thematically, featuring at its centre a reconstructed model inspired by the Sanchi Stupa, displaying authentic relics from national collections alongside precious stones repatriated to India.
Other sections include “Piprahwa Revisited,” glimpses of Buddha’s life, “From Form to Formless: The Artistic Language of Buddhist Teachings,” cross-border expansion of Buddhist art and ideas, and the return of cultural heritage through continuous efforts.
To enhance public understanding, the exhibition incorporates audiovisual arrangements such as immersive films, digital reconstructions, explanatory projections, and multimedia presentations.
These features provide simple yet profound insights into the life of Lord Buddha, the discovery of the Piprahwa relics, the spread of his messages, and the related artistic traditions.
Piprahwa in Siddharthnagar, Uttar Pradesh, is an ancient Buddhist site believed to be where Lord Buddha spent his early life. In 1898, British engineer William Claxton Peppe unearthed sacred relics related to Lord Buddha during the excavation of a stupa here.
During the colonial period, most of these relics were kept in the Indian Museum, Kolkata, while some remained with Peppe’s descendants and went abroad. After 127 years, these relics were brought back to India in July 2025.
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My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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