Sacred Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha Return to India After Historic Sri Lanka Exposition

New Delhi: The sacred Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha returned to India today following a historic week-long public exposition at the revered Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The exposition, the first-ever international display of the relics, was marked by an extraordinary outpouring of devotion and cross-cultural engagement. The holy relics were ceremonially escorted back by a high-level Indian delegation led by Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel and Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, accompanied by senior Buddhist monks and officials. The ceremonial departure took place at Bandaranaike International Airport in the presence of Sri Lankan ministers and the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, reflecting the event’s diplomatic and spiritual significance. During the seven-day exposition, more than one million devotees from across Sri Lanka visited the Gangaramaya Temple to pay homage, making it a major spiritual and cultural milestone. Several senior Sri Lankan leaders—including the Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, and former Presidents—offered their respects, underscoring the relics’ profound religious importance. The exposition was inaugurated by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Sri Lankan leaders expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India for facilitating the landmark event. Representing India at the inauguration were Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat and Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi. Complementing the veneration, special exhibitions titled “Unearthing the Sacred Piprahwa” and “Sacred Relic and Cultural Engagement of Contemporary India” showcased the shared Buddhist heritage and civilisational links between India and Sri Lanka. Announced during Prime Minister Modi’s State Visit to Sri Lanka in April 2025, the exposition has further strengthened centuries-old spiritual ties and highlighted India’s role as a custodian of global Buddhist heritage. The return of the relics marks the close of a deeply symbolic chapter in India–Sri Lanka cultural relations, carried out with reverence and dignity.