Sacred Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha Return to India After Historic Exposition in Sri Lanka
Sacred Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha Return to India After Historic Exposition in Sri Lanka
The sacred Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha are returns to India today after a week long public exposition at the revered Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
The Holy Relics, which were taken abroad for their first-ever international exposition, are being escorted back by a high level Indian delegation led by the Governor of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Mangubhai Patel, and the Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Chowna Mein, along with 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.
A large number of devotees from across Sri Lanka visited the Gangaramaya Temple during the seven day exposition to pay homage to the relics. Over one million devotees participated in the public veneration, making the exposition a major spiritual and cultural milestone. Several senior Sri Lankan leaders, including the Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, former Presidents and other dignitaries, paid their respects during the exposition.
The exposition was inaugurated by H.E. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Sri Lankan leadership expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the people of India for enabling this historic spiritual event. From the Indian side, the inauguration was attended by the Governor of Gujarat, Shri Acharya Devvrat, and the Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Harsh Sanghavi.
Complementing the exposition, special exhibitions titled “Unearthing the Sacred Piprahwa” and “Sacred Relic and Cultural Engagement of Contemporary India” were organised, showcasing the shared Buddhist heritage and civilisational links between India and Sri Lanka.
The historic exposition, announced by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during his State Visit to Sri Lanka in April 2025, has strengthened the centuries old spiritual and civilisational ties between India and Sri Lanka. It has also reinforced India’s role as a custodian of global Buddhist heritage and its continued commitment to deepening people to people and cultural linkages with Sri Lanka.
The special delegation from India departed for India with the sacred Devni Mori relics of Lord Buddha, carrying them with reverence, respect, and dignity. With this auspicious occasion, a historic and emotional chapter of the shared Buddhist heritage between India and Sri Lanka has come to a close.