Three Buddhist exhibitions open in Elista as Lord Buddha's relics are enshrined in Kalmykia
On 12 October 2025 in Elista, Kalmykia (Russia), UP Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya and Kalmykia's head Batu Khasikov opened three exhibitions during the first-ever exposition of Lord Buddha's holy relics in the Russian republic (11–18 October 2025).
Summary
On 12 October 2025, the second day of the week-long exposition (11–18 October 2025) of Lord Buddha's holy relics in Elista, Kalmykia — their first-ever exposition in the Russian republic — Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, who led the Indian delegation, and Batu Khasikov, Head of the Republic of Kalmykia, opened three exhibitions. They were 'Sacred Legacy of the Shakyas' by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC); a global philatelic display of Buddhist stamps from 90 countries; and 'Bodhicitta', treasures of Buddhist art from the National Museum and National Mission for Manuscripts. An MoU was signed between the Central Spiritual Administration of Buddhists of Kalmykia and the IBC. The relics are enshrined at the Geden Sheddup Choikorling Monastery, the 'Golden Abode of Shakyamuni Buddha'.
Key facts
- Event
- First exposition of Buddha's relics in Kalmykia, 11–18 Oct 2025
- Venue
- Geden Sheddup Choikorling Monastery, Elista
- Indian delegation
- Led by UP Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya
- Exhibitions
- Sacred Legacy of the Shakyas; Buddhist stamps of 90 countries; Bodhicitta
- MoU
- Central Spiritual Administration of Buddhists of Kalmykia – IBC
- Organisers
- Ministry of Culture with IBC, National Museum, IGNCA
Practice MCQs 2 questions
In which monastery in Elista were Lord Buddha's holy relics enshrined during their October 2025 exposition in Kalmykia?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Geden Sheddup Choikorling Monastery
PIB: the relics are enshrined for public veneration at the Geden Sheddup Choikorling Monastery in Elista, known as the 'Golden Abode of Shakyamuni Buddha'.
The global philatelic display opened in Elista in October 2025 featured Buddhist stamps from how many countries?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 90
PIB: the Global Philatelic Display, curated by Vinod Kumar of Dharwad, features Buddhist stamps from 90 countries.