Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Grand International Exposition of Sacred Piprahwa Relics associated with Bhagwan Buddha at Delhi’s Rai Pithora Cultural Complex on Saturday. The exhibition highlights India’s ancient Buddhist heritage and its deep civilisational links with the teachings of the Enlightened One.
Sharing details ahead of the event, the Prime Minister described the inauguration as a significant moment for those interested in history, culture, and Buddhism. The exposition, titled “The Light & the Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One”, brings together sacred artefacts that hold immense archaeological and spiritual importance.
The exhibition features the Piprahwa relics, which were discovered in 1898 and are considered among the earliest physical remains directly associated with Gautam Buddha. Archaeological studies link Piprahwa to ancient Kapilavastu, believed to be the place where Buddha spent his early years before embracing renunciation.
Several of the relics on display have been repatriated after more than a century, alongside authenticated artefacts preserved by the National Museum in New Delhi and the Indian Museum in Kolkata. Officials said the successful return of these relics reflects sustained government efforts and institutional collaboration.
Designed thematically, the exposition includes sections exploring the life of Buddha, the rediscovery of Piprahwa, the spread of Buddhist art beyond India, and ongoing initiatives to reclaim cultural artefacts. A reconstructed interpretive model inspired by the Sanchi Stupa forms the centrepiece of the exhibition.
To enhance visitor engagement, the exposition also incorporates immersive audio-visual experiences such as digital reconstructions, multimedia presentations, and interpretive projections, offering deeper insight into Buddha’s teachings and their enduring influence.
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