Union minister Kiren Rijiju is visiting Bhutan to bring back a portion of the sacred relics of Lord Buddha, enshrined at the National Museum in New Delhi, following their extended public exposition in Thimphu. The relics were taken to the Himalayan kingdom as part of the Global Peace Prayer Festival, an event centred on prayers for world peace and collective healing.
The exposition coincided with the 70th birth anniversary celebrations of Jigme Singye Wangchuk, the fourth King of Bhutan, the Culture Ministry earlier noted. It said the display reflected the enduring cultural affinity between India and Bhutan and offered thousands of pilgrims an opportunity for public veneration.
The relics, considered among the most sacred objects in the Buddhist world, include artefacts believed to date back to key periods of the Buddha’s life and are preserved under strict protocol at the National Museum in New Delhi. Their travel outside India is rare and undertaken only on special request, reflecting both their spiritual significance and the deep trust shared with Bhutan.
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“Leaving for the Kingdom of Bhutan to lead the ‘Delegation for the Return of Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha’ (enshrined at the National Museum in New Delhi), which was brought to Bhutan for public exposition,” Rijiju posted on X.
The relics were placed with full religious ceremony at the Grand Kuenrey Hall at Tashichhodzong, accompanied by a traditional chipdrel procession, prayers and a guard of honour, the Indian Embassy in Thimphu had earlier said. The exposition, which opened on November 8, was to conclude on November 18 but was extended until November 25 at the request of the Royal Government of Bhutan.
“The exposition, which has drawn thousands of devout pilgrims, will now continue until November 25,” the ministry said in a statement on November 17. The return of the relics marks the close of a significant cultural and spiritual moment for both countries.
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