Union minister Rijiju in Bhutan to bring back Buddha relics after public exposition

Union minister Kiren Rijiju is in Bhutan to bring back a portion of the holy relics of Lord Buddha, enshrined at the National Museum here, following their public exposition in the neighbouring country.

The exposition signified the cultural bonds between India and Bhutan and was part of the Global Peace Prayer Festival (GPPF) in Thimphu, a major event praying for world peace and the healing of humanity, officials said on Friday.

It coincided with the 70th birth anniversary of Jigme Singye Wangchuk, the fourth King of Bhutan, the Culture Ministry earlier said.


"Leaving for the Kingdom of Bhutan to lead the 'Delegation for the Return of Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha' (enshrined at the National Museum in New Delhi), which was brought to Bhutan for public exposition," Rijiju posted on X.

The holy relics of Lord Buddha were enshrined at the Grand Kuenrey Hall at Tashichhodzong with a traditional chipdrel procession, prayers, ceremonies and a guard of honour, the Indian Embassy in Thimpu had said in a post on X earlier.

The relics were enshrined for public veneration at the Kuenrey Hall of Tashichho Dzong in Thimphu from November 8 to 18, marking a moment of deep spiritual unity between India and Bhutan.

"At the gracious request of the Royal Government of Bhutan, the sacred exposition of the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha from India, which has been underway in Thimphu, has been officially extended for one week. The exposition, which has drawn thousands of devout pilgrims, will now continue until November 25," the ministry said in a statement on November 17.