Holy Relics of Lord Buddha return to India after first exposition in Kalmykia, Russia
The Holy Relics of Lord Buddha returned to India on 19 October 2025 after a week-long exposition from 11 to 18 October 2025 in Elista, capital of Russia's Republic of Kalmykia, with an Indian delegation led by J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
Summary
The Holy Relics of Lord Buddha, a designated National Treasure of India, returned to India on 19 October 2025 after a week-long exposition from 11 to 18 October 2025 in the Republic of Kalmykia, Russia. The Indian delegation, led by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, left Elista, the Kalmyk capital, after a closing ceremony at the Central Temple, 'the Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni'. The exposition was organised by the Ministry of Culture with the International Buddhist Confederation, the National Museum and IGNCA. During it, Padma Shri artist Vasudeo Kamath displayed 28 paintings, 'Depicting the Life of the Buddha: From Renunciation to Enlightenment', and donated all of them to the National Museum in Elista.
Key facts
- Exposition
- 11–18 Oct 2025, Elista, Republic of Kalmykia (Russia)
- Returned
- 19 Oct 2025
- Delegation led by
- J&K LG Manoj Sinha
- Organisers
- Ministry of Culture, IBC, National Museum, IGNCA
- Closing venue
- Central Temple, 'Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni'
- Art
- Vasudeo Kamath's 28 paintings donated to National Museum, Elista
Practice MCQs 3 questions
The Holy Relics of Lord Buddha were exhibited in October 2025 in which republic of the Russian Federation?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Kalmykia
PIB: the relics returned to India after a week-long exposition (11–18 October 2025) in the Republic of Kalmykia, Russia; the delegation departed from Elista, its capital.
Who led the Indian delegation accompanying the Buddha relics to Kalmykia in October 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor of J&K
PIB: the Indian delegation was led by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha; UP Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya inaugurated Vasudeo Kamath's art exhibition there.
Consider the following statements about the Buddha relics exposition in Kalmykia (October 2025): 1. It was organised by the Ministry of Culture with the International Buddhist Confederation, the National Museum and IGNCA. 2. Artist Vasudeo Kamath donated all 28 paintings displayed there to the National Museum in Elista. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB: the exposition was a collaborative effort of the Ministry of Culture, IBC, National Museum and IGNCA; Kamath donated all 28 paintings to the National Museum of Elista.