Wednesday 17 / December / 2025
Moscow : Nearly 1 lakh devotees and visitors from Kalmykia and neighboring provinces of Russia attended the weeklong exposition of the holy relics of Lord Buddha at the Golden Temple of Buddha Shakyamuni in Elista, Kalmykia, according to the Embassy of India in Russia.
The delegation was later given an emotional and heartfelt send-off by the people of Kalmykia, led by the Head of the Republic, Batu Sergeyeivich Khasikov, and the Chief Priest, Shajin Lama.
“Hon’ble Lt. Governor of Jammu & Kashmir Shri Manoj Sinha and venerated Indian monks accompanying the sacred relics of Lord Buddha were given an emotional send-off by the people of Kalmykia, led by the Head of the Republic HE Mr. Batu Sergeyeivich Khasikov, and the Chief Priest His Eminence Shajin Lama. Nearly 1 lakh people from Kalmykia and neighboring provinces of Russia visited the weeklong exposition of the holy relics at the Golden Temple of Buddha Shakyamuni in Elista, and received blessings of Lord Buddha The government and the people of the Republic of Kalmykia conveyed their heartfelt gratitude to the Government of India for giving their land the opportunity to host the sacred relics,” the post read.
The event drew massive public participation and spiritual reverence, as thousands lined up to receive blessings and witness the relics of Lord Buddha, a symbol of peace, compassion, and enlightenment.
The exposition is seen as a significant step in strengthening cultural and spiritual ties between India and Russia, especially with Kalmykia, the only Buddhist-majority region in Europe.
Following his return to India with the holy relics, Manoj Sinha said that the exposition of the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha to Kalmykia will strengthen the ties between India and Russia.
“We have come back with the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha from Kalmykia... India-Russia friendship has been great for a long time and is completing 80 years in the coming times... During the visit of Russian President Putin, this effort by the Indian government, Ministry of Culture, will prove to be a milestone... This will also strengthen our relations with Russia in terms of business, trade and defence,” he said.
Brought by a high-level delegation led by Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya and senior monks, the sacred artefacts—recognised as India’s National Treasure—have transformed the monastery, also known as the Golden Abode of Shakyamuni Buddha, into the centre of a historic spiritual gathering.
Queues stretching nearly a kilometre reflect the deep reverence and enduring cultural ties between India and Russia—strengthened by the legacy of Ladakhimonk Kushok Bakula Rinpoche, who played a key role in reviving Buddhism in Kalmykia and neighbouring Russian regions. Organised by India’s Ministry of Culture with the International Buddhist Confederation, the exhibition concluded on October 18 and further reinforced India’s role as a global custodian of Buddhist heritage.
India’s Preservation Push Gains Momentum
With major international Buddhist events planned in 2025 and a strong rebound in tourism, the Government of India has renewed focus on conservation, infrastructure upgrades, and cultural diplomacy.
Landmark Buddhist sites—including Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, and Kushinagar—continue to receive major investments under initiatives such as the Swadesh Darshan Scheme. Projects include - $9.55M revitalisation of Shrawasti, Uttar Pradesh; $3.8M allocated previously to develop Gujarat circuit sites; $9M for circuit development in Madhya Pradesh.
India is also expanding international cooperation—including a 2024 cultural property agreement with the United States to curb antiquities trafficking—and offering preservation support to Southeast Asian nations.
Digital mapping and virtual preservation efforts are underway to ensure longevity of sacred structures and cultural assets.
As host to the origins of Buddhism, India recorded 9.66 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2024, generating nearly $33 billion in foreign exchange earnings—much of it tied to cultural and pilgrimage circuits.
Enhanced accessibility and amenities are helping global visitors connect more meaningfully with Buddhist traditions.
India’s preservation campaigns, international cultural engagements, and technology-driven conservation underscore a modern commitment to protect an ancient, universal message. As global attention reaches new heights—exemplified by the overwhelming response in Russia—India continues to extend an open invitation to rediscover the wisdom of Buddha at its sacred source.
