Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate a grand international exposition of the sacred Piprahwa relics related to Gautama Buddha on January 3, at the Rai Pithora Cultural Complex in New Delhi.
Titled “The Light & the Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One”, the exposition brings together, for the first time, the Piprahwa relics that were repatriated after more than a century along with authenticated relics and archaeological materials preserved at the National Museum, New Delhi, and the Indian Museum, Kolkata.
Discovered in 1898, the Piprahwa relics are regarded among the earliest and most historically significant relics directly associated with Bhagwan Buddha. Archaeological evidence links the Piprahwa site with ancient Kapilavastu, widely identified as the place where Buddha spent his early life before renunciation.
According to an official statement, the exposition highlights India’s enduring civilisational connection with Buddhism and reflects the government’s commitment to preserving the country’s spiritual and cultural heritage. The recent repatriation of the relics was achieved through sustained government efforts, institutional cooperation and innovative public-private partnerships.
The exhibition is organised around thematic sections. At its core is a reconstructed interpretive model inspired by the Sanchi stupa, bringing together the repatriated relics and authenticated artefacts from national collections. Other sections include Piprahwa Revisited, Vignettes of the Life of Buddha, Intangible in the Tangible: The Aesthetic Language of Buddhist Teachings, Expansion of Buddhist Art and Ideals Beyond Borders, and Repatriation of Cultural Artefacts: The Continuing Endeavour.
To enhance public engagement, the exposition features immersive audio-visual elements such as digital reconstructions, interpretive projections, multimedia presentations and films. These components aim to provide accessible insights into the life of Bhagwan Buddha, the discovery of the Piprahwa relics, their historical journey, and the artistic traditions associated with early Buddhism.
