In an extraordinary effort to advance the spiritual and cultural outreach of Buddha Dhamma, the first ever Holy Relics exposition was undertaken in Russia. The Holy Piprahwa Relics embarked on a spiritual journey from India to Russia. This historic event was organised by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in collaboration with IBC, the National Museum, and the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts. The Holy Relics arrived in Elista, the capital of the Republic of Kalmykia, on 11th of October 2025, and were ceremoniously received with reverence by Shajin Lama of Kalmykia, Mr. Batu Sergeyevich Khasikov, Head of the Republic of Kalmykia, Geshe Tenzin Choidak, and other distinguished members of the Buddhist Sangha. The ongoing exposition will be till the 18th of October, 2025 in Elista.

Kalmykia, Europe’s only Buddhist-majority region, has seen a revival of the Vajrayana tradition and holds the distinction of being the first region where Buddha Dhamma began in Russia in the 17th and 18th centuries.

The Holy Piprahwa Relics were solemnly enshrined at Kalmykia’s Geden Sheddup Choikorling Monastery, also known as the Golden Abode of Shakyamuni Buddha, for a week-long exposition. Thousands of devotees gathered in prayer and reverence, with footfall rising to nearly 30,000 within the first few days. Eminent Indian monks who are part of the delegation are offering blessings to the devotees.

The exposition is also providing opportunities for the people of Russia to learn more about Buddhist heritage. His Holiness the 43rd Sakya Trizin Rinpoche, Head of the Sakya Order, offered teachings and discourses. Shri Keshav Prasad Maurya, Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, highlighted the importance of understanding the background of the Holy Piprahwa Relics. Moreover, three insightful exhibitions are being conducted as part of this exposition, which were jointly inaugurated by Shri Keshav Prasad Maurya and H.E. Batu Khasikov. IBC’s exhibition, The Sacred Legacy of the Shakyas: Excavation and Exposition of Buddha’s Relics, traces the journey of the Holy Piprahwa Relics from Kapilavastu to their rediscovery. A unique philatelic exhibition curated by Mr. Vinod Kumar of Dharwad is showcasing Buddhist stamps from over 90 countries. The exhibition on Bodhicitta – Treasures of Buddhist Art, organised by the National Museum and the National Mission for Manuscripts, is presenting the essence of Buddhist art and manuscripts. These exhibitions are being held at the National Kalmykia Republican Museum in Elista.

An MoU between the Central Spiritual Administration of Kalmyk Buddhists and the IBC was signed. It aims to reinforce deep-rooted cultural and spiritual ties and pave the way for future collaborations.

A key highlight of the visit was the presentation of the Mongolian Kangyurs. These sacred scriptures translated from Tibetan to Mongolian, were presented to nine prominent monasteries in Russia and to the Kalmyk State University. His Holiness the 43rd Sakya Trizin Rinpoche addressed students and faculty at the university, emphasising the connection between education and Buddha Dhamma. Shri Abhijit Halder, Director General of IBC, spoke on the relevance of Buddha’s wisdom in addressing contemporary global challenges. Highlighting the history of the Kangyurs, he mentioned how the translations of the sacred scripts in Mongolian initiated way back in the 17th century. Shri Abhijit Halder also acknowledged the contributions and efforts of Indian scholar and linguist Professor Raghu Vira and his son Lokesh Chandra in compilation of the Mongolian Kangyurs.

At the Ketchenersky Khurul, Shri Keshav Prasad Maurya stated “This offering of the Holy Kangyur is not merely a gift of scriptures, but the sharing of a timeless spiritual heritage. It represents India’s commitment to preserving and promoting the universal values of peace, compassion, and wisdom taught by Lord Buddha”. The delegation also visited Green Tara Park in Elista, where Shri Keshav Prasad Maurya assured India’s assistance in developing it as a major religious destination.

H.E. Mr. Vinay Kumar, the Indian Ambassador to Russia, underscored the significance of the event, noting that three Russian provinces - Buryatia, Kalmykia, and Tuva, share a common Buddhist heritage. He highlighted that events such as the Holy Relics exposition strengthens the cultural ties and fosters people-to-people engagement, embodying the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the belief that the world is one family.

This historic exposition is fostering a deep cultural and spiritual resonance among the people of Kalmykia. As the Holy Relics prepare to return to India in the third week of October, they leave behind a legacy of reverence, connection, and shared values that will continue to inspire collaboration and mutual understanding between the two nations.