Buddha’s Holy Relics Travel to Russia’s Kalmykia for First-Ever Public Exposition
India has sent sacred relics of Lord Buddha to Russia’s Kalmykia Republic for a landmark international exposition, in what officials call a historic gesture of cultural diplomacy and spiritual solidarity. This marks the first time the holy relics will be publicly enshrined in the only Buddhist-majority region in Europe.
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| Image Source: Sputink India |
They will be displayed at the Geden Sheddup Choikorling Monastery in Elista, Kalmykia’s capital, as the central attraction of the 3rd International Buddhist Forum, held from September 24 to 28.
The forum’s theme, “Buddhism in the New Millennium”, is expected to draw delegates from over 35 countries, making it one of the largest global Buddhist gatherings this year.
The Indian delegation is led by Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya and includes senior officials, monks, and cultural representatives. The religious delegation is headed by senior figures including H.H. the 43rd Sakya Trizin Rinpoche, H.E. 13th Kundeling Taktsak Rinpoche, and H.E. 7th Yongzin Ling Rinpoche. Three of India’s senior-most monks will conduct a Blessing Ceremony for Kalmyk devotees.
Cultural Diplomacy, Spiritual Continuity
The Ministry of Culture is partnering with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) and the National Museum to curate multiple exhibitions, including:
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The Art of Stillness – Buddhist art from India’s national collection
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Four Great Events in the Life of the Buddha
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Sacred Legacy of the Shakyas – highlighting excavations at Piprahwa, believed to be ancient Kapilavastu
A new AI-powered Russian-language chatbot, Norbu – the Kalyana Mitta (Spiritual Friend), will also be unveiled by IBC to offer digital access to Buddha Dhamma for local users.
Two MoUs will be signed during the forum — between the Central Spiritual Administration of Buddhists of Russia and the IBC, and another with India’s Nalanda University, deepening academic and spiritual ties.
Kalmykia: Europe’s Buddhist Heartland
Located on the Caspian Sea in southwest Russia, Kalmykia is home to the Kalmyks, descendants of Oirat Mongols who migrated in the 17th century.
It is the only region in Europe where Mahayana Buddhism is the majority faith, and its vast steppe landscape is dotted with stupas, temples, and prayer flags.
The exposition of the sacred relics marks a milestone in Buddhist heritage outreach between India and Russia.
The Golden Abode of Shakyamuni Buddha, where the relics will be housed, is the largest Buddhist temple in Europe and a spiritual anchor for millions across the Russian Federation and Central Asia.
Repatriated History, Living Legacy
The relics being sent to Russia are part of the revered Piprahwa collection, discovered in 1898 in what is believed to be the ancient city of Kapilavastu, Buddha’s childhood home.
The site in present-day Uttar Pradesh was excavated further by the Archaeological Survey of India in the 1970s and is now officially recognised as the origin point of the Shakya dynasty.
Earlier this year, India also repatriated the Jewel Relics of Buddha, retrieved from Hong Kong after a failed auction attempt. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had celebrated the return, calling it “a matter of pride for every Indian” and a testament to India’s commitment to safeguarding its spiritual heritage.
Over the past three years, India has sent Buddha’s relics to Mongolia (2022), Thailand (2024), and Vietnam (2025).
The Kalmykia exposition is seen as a powerful continuation of that outreach, amid rising global interest in Buddhism and India’s role as its civilizational epicentre.