India's Minister of External Affairs, S. Jaishankar, expressed his gratitude to the government and people of Bhutan for their sincere reception. In his post on social media platform X, he noted that he was "deeply touched by the warm welcome extended to the sacred relics of Buddha," emphasizing the importance of this event for both nations.
Earlier, India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, also thanked Bhutan for its respectful treatment of the relics. He remarked that "these sacred objects represent a symbol of the eternal message of peace, compassion, and harmony that unites our peoples through a shared spiritual heritage."
The relics, housed in the National Museum of India in New Delhi, were transported to Bhutan for an exhibition taking place from November 8 to 18. This event has become an important milestone in the cultural and spiritual relations between the two countries.
The Indian delegation, led by the Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Virendra Kumar, included senior Buddhist monks and representatives from cultural departments.
Upon arrival at Paro International Airport on November 8, the relics were received with respect by Bhutan's Minister of Home Affairs, Tsering, the spiritual mentor of the Central Monastic Body of Bhutan, Tsokyi Lopen, the mayor of Paro, Norbu Wangchuk, as well as the Indian Ambassador to Bhutan, Sandeep Arya, and senior monks.
The ceremony was marked by the presence of the Queen Mother Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk and Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuk, who paid their respects to the relics. After the ceremonial reception, the relics were transferred to the Grand Kuenrey Hall of the Tashichho Dzong monastery in Thimphu, where a consecration ceremony was held following traditional rituals.
Virendra Kumar, speaking at the exhibition's opening, emphasized that this event strengthens the cultural and spiritual ties between India and Bhutan, based on the principles of peace and compassion inspired by the teachings of Buddha.
Bhutan's Prime Minister, Tsering Tobgay, expressed gratitude to the Government of India for organizing the exhibition and noted that the idea of holding this event was inspired by His Majesty the King of Bhutan as a symbol of harmony and peace.
He also highlighted the significant contribution of the Ministry of Culture of India and the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) in organizing the exhibition, calling it "a significant milestone in the development of relations between Bhutan and India."
Buddhism has served as the spiritual foundation of Bhutanese identity for centuries, shaping its culture, statehood, and the philosophy of "Gross National Happiness." From the ancient Kichu Lhakhang temple (7th century) to the majestic Paro Taktsang monastery, the teachings of Guru Padmasambhava continue to inspire the people of the country.
The exhibition in Bhutan is part of India's long-standing initiative to promote Buddhist heritage worldwide. Similar exhibitions have previously taken place in countries such as Mongolia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Kalmykia (Russia).
Particular attention is drawn to the return of the Piprahwa relics to India — the precious remains of Buddha, discovered in 1898 by engineer William Claxon Peppe in Uttar Pradesh. These sacred objects, possessing immense spiritual value, were saved from auction in Hong Kong in 2025 thanks to the active efforts of the Ministry of Culture of India.
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted, this event has become a symbol of India's unwavering commitment to preserving the spiritual heritage of humanity.
Source: https://aninews.in/news/world/asia/jaishankar-expresses-gratitude-for-bhutans-warm-welcome-to-sacred-relics-of-lord-buddha-from-india20251109222100/
