Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the grand international exhibition “Light and Lotus: Relics of Lord Buddha” at the Rai Pithora Cultural Complex in New Delhi, marking a historic moment in India’s cultural and spiritual journey.
Describing the occasion as deeply significant, the Prime Minister said, “After a long wait of 125 years, India’s heritage and the nation’s priceless treasure have finally returned home. From today, the people of India will be able to have darshan of these sacred relics of Lord Buddha and receive his blessings.”
Organised by the Ministry of Culture, the exhibition brings together, for the first time in over a century, the most comprehensive collection of the Piprahwa relics, including sacred remains, jewels, and artefacts associated with Lord Buddha. The collection also features relics recently repatriated to India following decisive government intervention that prevented their overseas auction in July 2025.
Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, speaking on the occasion, said the Prime Minister’s presence is always a moment of inspiration and significance, noting his unique ability to translate India’s civilisational spirit into governance. He described the event as a moment of immense national pride.
The exhibition commemorates the reunification of the Piprahwa relics after nearly 127 years, bringing together artefacts from the 1898 excavations at Kapilavastu, findings from the 1972–75 excavations, treasures preserved at the Indian Museum in Kolkata, and the Peppe family collection.
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi toured the exhibition, offered khata and rose petals at a seated Buddha statue, sanctified an ancient seal from the Piprahwa site, planted a Bodhi sapling, signed the visitor’s book, released the exhibition catalogue, and presented robes to revered Buddhist monks.
The exhibition showcases over 80 extraordinary artefacts spanning from the 6th century BCE to the present day, including sculptures, manuscripts, thangka paintings, ritual objects, relic caskets, and jewel-encrusted treasures. Its centrepiece is the original monolithic stone casket in which the sacred relics were first discovered.
The Piprahwa relics, unearthed in 1898 by William Claxton Peppe at the ancient stupa site of Kapilavastu, are regarded as among the most significant archaeological discoveries related to the life of the Buddha. Their reunification stands as a powerful testament to India’s commitment to reclaiming, preserving, and honouring its cultural legacy.
