Lord Buddha’s Holy Relics Return Home After Display in Russia’s Kalmykia

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has returned to India with the sacred relics of Lord Buddha after their revered exposition in Kalmykia, Russia. The relics, considered a National Treasure of India, were displayed in Elista, the capital of the Republic of Kalmykia, marking a significant cultural and spiritual milestone.

The exposition, which concluded on October 18, 2025, was led by a high-level Indian delegation, including Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya and senior Indian monks. The event, organized by the Ministry of Culture’s BTI section, in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), the National Museum, and the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), aimed to strengthen the spiritual and diplomatic ties between India and Russia. Kalmykia, the only region in Europe where Buddhism is the predominant religion, welcomed the relics with special religious services and blessings for its Buddhist community.

Lieutenant Governor Sinha, who was warmly received in Elista by Kalmykian officials, including First Deputy Chairman Tserenov Erdni Nikolayevich, Deputy Chairman Dzhambinov Ochir Vladimirovich, and India’s Deputy Chief of Mission Nikhilesh Giri, emphasized the broader significance of the event. “The exposition of the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha in Kalmykia will strengthen the deep ties between India and Russia,” Sinha said. “As we approach 80 years of friendship, this initiative by the Indian government and the Ministry of Culture will serve as a milestone, fostering stronger relations in business, trade, and defense.”

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This historic event revives the legacy of the 19th Kushok Bakula Rinpoche, a revered Buddhist monk and diplomat from Ladakh, who played a pivotal role in revitalizing Buddhism in Mongolia and Russian regions like Kalmykia, Buryatia, and Tuva. The exposition underscores the enduring civilizational bonds between the two nations, rooted in shared spiritual heritage and mutual respect.

The relics’ journey to Kalmykia marks the first time such an exposition has been held in the Russian Republic, highlighting India’s commitment to promoting Buddhist heritage globally. The event not only deepened cultural connections but also showcased India’s soft power diplomacy, fostering goodwill and collaboration. As Sinha noted, this initiative is expected to pave the way for enhanced cooperation in multiple domains, reinforcing the longstanding partnership between New Delhi and Moscow.

The successful return of the relics to India symbolizes a triumph of cultural diplomacy, uniting communities across continents through the universal teachings of Lord Buddha.

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