Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, is leading an Indian delegation to bring back holy relics of Lord Buddha from Russia following their exposition in Elista, the capital city of the Republic of Kalmykia. The relics, recognized as a National Treasure of India, were enshrined at the Geden Sheddup Choikorling Monastery, also known as the “Golden Abode of Shakyamuni Buddha”. The Indian delegation is scheduled to accompany the relics back to India today, October 20, 2025.

LG Manoj Sinha reached Kalmykia on Friday, October 17, to personally lead the delegation for the return of the relics after their week-long display. He paid homage to the relics at the Golden Abode of Shakyamuni Buddha, lighting a ceremonial lamp and offering prayers. He also presented a "Khatak" in front of Bakula Rinpoche.

The exposition of the Holy Relics in Kalmykia has strengthened the ties between the people of India and Russia. Sinha described the event as a landmark occasion, signifying a historic homecoming of faith for the Kalmyk people, who are the only Buddhist community in Europe. He also highlighted the event as a powerful bridge of spiritual friendship between India and Russia, demonstrating India's efforts in strengthening cultural ties and promoting the unifying power of Buddha's teachings.

The week-long exposition in Elista, which concluded on October 18, was organized by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), the National Museum, and the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA). Over 90,000 devotees paid homage to the sacred relics during the exposition.

Prior to his departure for Kalmykia, Lieutenant Governor Sinha expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this sacred opportunity. He shared on X, "Leaving for Kalmykia, Russia, where I will lead the delegation to bring back holy relics of Lord Buddha after a week-long exposition. I sincerely thank Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for this sacred opportunity. 'Om Mamo Buddhaya'".

The relics are part of the Piprahwa collection, which is housed at the National Museum in New Delhi. Piprahwa is associated with the ancient city of Kapilavastu, the capital of the Shakya clan to which Lord Buddha belonged. The relics were transported to Russia aboard a special Indian Air Force aircraft, accompanied by senior Buddhist monks, officials, and Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya. The cultural program included an exhibition tracing the historical journey of the Buddha's relics.

Lieutenant Governor Sinha addressed monks and devotees at the Central Temple, emphasizing the exposition's lasting spiritual impact. He called for building a compassionate, just, and equitable world based on the teachings of Lord Buddha. He stressed the importance of cultural and spiritual exchange between India and Russia, based on a shared belief in peace, spiritual ethos, and compassionate living.