Sacred Buddha Relics Return to India After Exposition in Bhutan
Union Minister Shri Kiren Rijiju Accompanies Relics Back to India
The Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha returned to India today following a 17-day exposition in Bhutan, highlighting the cultural and spiritual ties between the two countries.
Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju, accompanied the Holy Relics on their return journey. He expressed gratitude to the leadership and people of Bhutan for their hospitality and ceremonial arrangements.
Shri Rijiju stated that he was honoured to bring the sacred Buddha Relics back to India after their exposition in Bhutan. He noted that Bhutan’s reverence for the Holy Relics reinforces harmony between the peoples of India and Bhutan. He also acknowledged the personal care and presence of His Majesty The King of Bhutan during the ceremonial departure.
Shri Rijiju extended thanks to the Prime Minister of Bhutan, members of the Bhutanese Cabinet, the Laytshog Lopen of the Central Monastic Body, monks, and the Royal Government of Bhutan for the arrangements made for the Holy Relics and for hosting Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during his visit to Bhutan on 11 November 2025.
Reception in India
Upon arrival at Palam Airport, the Holy Relics were received by IBC Director General Shri Abhijit Halder, along with monks and senior officials from the Ministry of Culture and the National Museum.
Ceremonial Departure from Bhutan
The Sacred Buddha Piprahwa Relics were enshrined at the Grand Kuenray Hall of Trashichhodzong, Thimphu, from 8 to 25 November 2025 as part of the Global Peace Prayer Festival. The event drew tens of thousands of devotees who offered prayers and sought blessings.
This morning, His Majesty The King of Bhutan attended special prayers at the Grand Kuenray before the Relics were taken in a state procession to Paro International Airport for their return to India.
The ceremonial departure was attended by the Prime Minister of Bhutan, Laytshog Lopen, the Home Minister, the Health Minister, and venerable monks from both India and Bhutan. His Majesty also met with Union Minister Shri Kiren Rijiju, who had travelled to Bhutan to accompany the Relics.
The Holy Relics departed Bhutan on a special flight, escorted with full honours, symbolising the spiritual bond and enduring friendship between India and Bhutan.
A Symbol of Shared Heritage
The Sacred Buddha Relics are among the most revered objects in the Buddhist world. Brought to Bhutan as a gesture of friendship from India, their exposition inspired devotion across the country and reinforced the cultural and spiritual connections that unite both nations.