New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Grand International Exposition of the sacred Piprahwa Relics linked to Lord Buddha on Saturday, January 3, in New Delhi. The event is scheduled for 11 am and will be held at the Rai Pithora Cultural Complex. It is expected to draw scholars, students, monks and visitors interested in India’s Buddhist heritage.
The exposition is titled The Light & the Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One. It will bring together rare and historically important artefacts connected to early Buddhism.
Ahead of the inauguration, the Prime Minister described January 3 as a special day for those who value history, culture and the teachings of Lord Buddha. In a post on X, he said the exposition reflects the government’s efforts to spread Buddha’s message and strengthen young people’s connection with India’s cultural roots. He also praised all those involved in the long process of bringing the relics back to the country.
Tomorrow, 3rd January, is a very special day for those passionate about history, culture and the ideals of Bhagwan Buddha.
At 11 AM, the Grand International Exposition of Sacred Piprahwa Relics related to Bhagwan Buddha, ‘The Light & the Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One’, will… pic.twitter.com/V6bPwZjsK7
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 2, 2026
Why Piprahwa relics matter
The Piprahwa relics were discovered back in 1898 and are considered among the earliest archaeological finds directly associated with Lord Buddha. According to archaeological evidence, Piprahwa is linked to ancient Kapilavastu, where it is believed that the Buddha spent his early years before renouncing worldly life. The relics hold immense value for understanding the beginnings of Buddhism and its spread.
For the first time, relics repatriated after more than a century will be displayed alongside authenticated artefacts preserved at the National Museum in New Delhi and the Indian Museum in Kolkata.
What visitors can expect
The exhibition is arranged around key themes. At its heart is a reconstructed interpretive model inspired by the Sanchi stupa bringing together relics and repatriated gems. Other sections explore the life of Buddha, the rediscovery of Piprahwa, the spread of Buddhist art beyond India and India’s ongoing efforts to reclaim cultural artefacts.
The visitors will get to experience immersive films, digital reconstructions and multimedia displays that explain the journey of the relics and the enduring influence of Buddha’s teachings, making the exposition accessible to people of all ages.