New Delhi, Jan 3 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially launched the Grand International Exposition of Sacred Piprahwa Relics linked with Bhagwan Buddha at the Rai Pithora Cultural Complex in Delhi on Saturday. PM Modi remarked that the wisdom imparted by Lord Buddha and the principles he advocated transcend time, serving all of humanity.

Unearthed in 1898, the Piprahwa relics hold a crucial position in the archaeological examination of early Buddhism. They are among the earliest and most significant relics closely associated with Lord Buddha.

Archaeological findings connect the Piprahwa site to ancient Kapilavastu, thought to be the area where Gautam Buddha lived before seeking enlightenment.

During his address, PM Modi stated, "The heritage of India has returned home after a gap of 125 years. Starting today, Indians will have the opportunity to witness and receive the blessings of these sacred relics of Lord Buddha."

"The dawn of 2026 is marked by this joyful occasion, which is truly uplifting. It is also my honor that my initial public event of 2026 commences at the feet of Lord Buddha. I pray that with the blessings of Lord Buddha, 2026 brings worldwide peace and prosperity," he expressed.

He highlighted that the exhibition's location, Qila Rai Pithora, is "special" and stands as a testament to India's rich history.

"Nearly a millennium ago, the rulers of that period constructed a fortified and secure city within this historic fort. Today, in this very significant area, we are reconnecting with a spiritual and sacred part of our history," he noted.

"I meticulously explored this historical exhibition. We are fortunate to have the sacred relics of Lord Buddha among us. Their journey from India and their eventual return carry a profound lesson — slavery affects not just politics and economics; it also diminishes our heritage," PM Modi remarked.

He pointed out that the sacred relics of Lord Buddha were taken during colonial times and remained outside India for nearly 125 years.

"For those who took them, they were just lifeless artifacts, and they attempted to auction these sacred relics in the global market. However, for India, these relics are part of our essence, a vital aspect of our civilization. Hence, India resolved not to permit their public auction," he added.

PM Modi expressed gratitude to the Godrej Group for their assistance, stating, "With their support, these sacred relics associated with Lord Buddha have now returned to his birthplace, the land of his meditation, and the location of his Mahaparinirvana."

"The teachings of Lord Buddha and the path he illuminated are not restricted to any period; they are for all humanity and timeless," he affirmed.

"We have felt this sentiment repeatedly in recent months. Wherever the sacred relics of Lord Buddha have traveled, they have ignited waves of faith and respect," PM Modi mentioned, referencing locations such as Thailand, Mongolia, Russia, and Vietnam.

"In Thailand, more than 4 million devotees paid their respects in under a month at various sacred relic sites. In Vietnam, public devotion was so immense that the exhibition period had to be extended, with nearly 20 million people across the nation paying homage to the Buddha relics. In Mongolia, thousands waited for hours outside the Gandan Monastery; many sought to touch the Indian representatives simply because they hailed from the land of Buddha," he elaborated.

He noted that in Russia's Kalmykia region, over 150,000 devotees visited the sacred relics in a single week, a number exceeding the region's total population.

"In various nations where these events took place, from ordinary citizens to government leaders, everyone united in equal reverence. Lord Buddha belongs to all and brings everyone together," the Prime Minister concluded.

PM Modi expressed that he feels "very fortunate" and that Lord Buddha occupies a profound place in his life.

"I was born in a region that was a significant center of Buddhist education. Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon, is my current constituency. Even before assuming governmental responsibilities, I visited Buddhist pilgrimage sites as a devotee. As Prime Minister, I have had the privilege of traveling to Buddhist pilgrimage locations across the globe," he shared, citing examples such as the Maya Devi Temple in Lumbini, Nepal, and his journeys to Japan, Mongolia, and China.

The recent return of the relics was made possible through ongoing governmental efforts, institutional collaboration, and innovative public–private partnerships.

The exhibition is organized thematically, featuring a reconstructed interpretive model inspired by the Sanchi stupa at its center, amalgamating authentic relics from national collections and the repatriated treasures.

Additional sections include Piprahwa Revisited; Vignettes of the Life of Buddha; Intangible in the Tangible: The Aesthetic Language of Buddhist Teachings; Expansion of Buddhist Art and Ideals Beyond Borders; and Repatriation of Cultural Artefacts: The Continuing Endeavour.

To enhance public engagement and understanding, the exposition is accompanied by an extensive audio-visual experience, including immersive films, digital reconstructions, interpretive projections, and multimedia presentations.