In a profound gesture of spiritual and cultural solidarity, the Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha, enshrined at the National Museum in New Delhi, arrived in Bhutan on Saturday for a public exposition from November 8 to 18.
The Indian delegation is led by Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar, and includes senior Buddhist monks and officials.
Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, the relics were received with reverence by Bhutan’s Home Minister Tshering, Tshoki Lopen of the Central Monastic Body, Mayor of Paro Norbu Wangchuk, Indian Ambassador to Bhutan Sandeep Arya, and senior Bhutanese monks and officials. Royal Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck and Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck also paid their respects during the ceremonial welcome.
The sacred relics were later escorted to Tashichho Dzong’s Grand Kuenrey Hall in Thimphu, where they were enshrined with traditional Buddhist rituals.
Speaking on the occasion, Kumar said, “This exposition strengthens the cultural and spiritual ties between India and Bhutan, reinforcing the shared heritage of peace and compassion inspired by Lord Buddha.”
Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Government of India for facilitating the sacred visit, noting that the festival was envisioned by His Majesty the King of Bhutan as a global prayer for peace and harmony. He described the event as “a significant milestone in Bhutan–India relations” and lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for supporting the initiative.
To enrich the experience, the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) will organize three thematic exhibitions:
1. Guru Padmasambhava: Tracing the Life and Sacred Sites of the ‘Precious Guru’ in India
2. Sacred Legacy of the Shakyas: Excavation and Significance of Buddha Relics
3. Life and Teachings of the Buddha: A Journey Through the Path to Enlightenment
Buddhism remains the spiritual foundation of Bhutan’s identity, shaping its culture, governance, and philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH). From the ancient Kyichu Lhakhang to the iconic Paro Taktsang, the teachings of Guru Padmasambhava continue to guide Bhutan’s moral and spiritual ethos.
The exposition is part of India’s ongoing tradition of sharing its Buddhist heritage globally, following similar events in Mongolia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Russia’s Kalmykia region. It also follows the celebrated repatriation of the Piprahwa Jewel Relics to India – hailed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a moment of national pride.
The exhibition of Holy Relics in Bhutan stands as a symbol of peace, compassion, and unity, reaffirming the timeless spiritual bond between India and Bhutan – a bond illuminated by the eternal teachings of Lord Buddha.