Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya will spearhead a high-profile delegation to Russia for the exhibition of sacred Lord Buddha relics, officials announced on Sunday. The event, organised by India's Ministry of Culture, is set to take place from September 24 to October 1 in the Republic of Kalmykia, a region in southern Russia known for its deep Buddhist heritage.
The delegation, including cultural experts and dignitaries, will depart Lucknow on September 23 aboard an Indian Air Force aircraft, emphasising the significance of this cultural outreach. Maurya described the initiative as a vital instrument of India's "soft power" and cultural diplomacy, aimed at fostering global appreciation for the nation's ancient spiritual legacy.
The relics on display, revered as the Piprahwa (Kapilvastu) relics, were unearthed in 1971 from a stupa site in Uttar Pradesh's Siddharthnagar district, near the Nepal border. Believed to contain ashes and bone fragments of Gautama Buddha, they link directly to Kapilvastu, the ancient capital of the Shakya clan where Buddha spent his early years. Discovered by British archaeologist William Claxton Peppe in 1898, the relics—divided among Buddhist communities worldwide—have previously toured countries like Sri Lanka and Mongolia, drawing millions of devotees.
This Russian exhibition follows successful precedents in Thailand and Vietnam, where similar displays enhanced bilateral ties and promoted Buddhist pilgrimage circuits. Maurya's leadership underscores Uttar Pradesh's pivotal role in Buddhist heritage, as the state encompasses key sites like Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon.
The exhibition will unfold at the National Museum in Elista, Kalmykia's capital, from September 25 to 28, featuring authentic relics alongside replicas of artworks illustrating pivotal moments from Buddha's life, such as his enlightenment under the Bodhi tree and the first sermon. A short documentary on the Piprahwa excavation and significance will also screen, offering visitors an immersive narrative.
Beyond the relics, the event will include cultural performances, lectures, and interfaith dialogues to bridge Indian and Russian traditions. Maurya emphasised that such initiatives not only strengthen people-to-people connections but also deepen political and economic relations, aligning with India's Act East policy and Russia's growing interest in Eurasian cultural exchanges.
Also Read: Countries Plan Fossil Fuel Surge Despite Paris Climate Agreement
Kalmykia, home to Europe's only predominantly Buddhist region, with over 50% of its 270,000 residents practising Tibetan-influenced Buddhism, provides an ideal venue. Introduced by Mongol nomads in the 17th century, Buddhism here blends with local shamanistic elements, making the relics' arrival a historic moment for cultural synergy. The exhibition is poised to attract thousands, including Russian pilgrims and international tourists, potentially boosting tourism to Indian Buddhist sites.
As India positions itself as a global spiritual hub ahead of the 2025 Vesak celebrations, this mission highlights the relics' role in diplomacy, echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of heritage as a bridge to international harmony.
Also Read: Congress Questions Whether GST Reduction Benefits Will Reach Consumers