India is set to host an exhibition of Lord Buddha's sacred relics in Russia, strengthening cultural and diplomatic ties between the two nations. The exhibition, organized by the Ministry of Culture, will take place in Kalmykia from September 24 to October 1, 2025.
A delegation led by Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya will travel to Russia on September 23 via an Indian Air Force aircraft, carrying the relics also known as the Piprahwa (Kapilvastu) relics. These relics, discovered in Uttar Pradesh, hold immense historical and spiritual significance for the global Buddhist community.
The exhibition aims to highlight India's role as the birthplace of Buddhism and to promote global peace, harmony, and the universal message of compassion, non-violence, and peace. Maurya emphasized that the exhibition would strengthen bilateral relations, deepen cultural and political ties, reaffirm India's civilizational heritage, and reinforce India's position as the birthplace and custodian of Buddhism.
The Piprahwa relics are archaeologically verified and revered by the global Buddhist community, symbolizing a direct connection to Lord Buddha's life. From September 25 to 28, the National Museum in Elista, Kalmykia, will display replicas of artworks representing key events in Lord Buddha's life, along with a short film on the Piprahwa relics.
Kalmykia, a Russian republic with a significant Buddhist population, considers Buddhism an integral part of its culture and tradition. The exhibition is expected to further strengthen bonds between India and Russia while spreading Buddha's message of harmony and universal brotherhood across the world.
Similar exhibitions have been held previously in Thailand and Vietnam, enhancing India's global stature. The upcoming exhibition in Russia is expected to continue this tradition and further enhance India's cultural image.
The relics were first unearthed in 1898 at the Piprahwa Stupa in Siddharthnagar, Uttar Pradesh. They were believed to have been taken abroad during British rule and were returned to India in July after 127 years. The collection includes bones, crystal caskets, ornaments, gemstones, and reliquaries.
The exhibition represents India's soft power and cultural diplomacy, highlighting Buddha's timeless message of peace, compassion, and non-violence. The Kalmykia exhibition will strengthen India's image as the birthplace and guardian of Buddhist traditions while deepening bilateral ties with Russia.
