Guwahati, 30 May (HS): Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya is going to lead an Indian delegation carrying the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha’s two principal disciples, Arhant Sariputra and Arhant Maudgalyayana, to Mongolia for a special sacred exposition being organised under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture.

According to the Lok Bhawan official information the sacred relics, preserved at the Sanchi Vihar Chaitya in Madhya Pradesh, will remain in Mongolia till June 9, as part of a significant spiritual and cultural outreach programme aimed at strengthening the long-standing civilisational and Buddhist ties between the two countries.

Originating from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Sanchi Stupa, the relics are considered deeply sacred by Buddhists across the world. The initiative has reportedly been undertaken at the special instance of Narendra Modi to further reinforce India’s spiritual and cultural engagement with Mongolia, often described as India’s spiritual neighbour in the Buddhist world.

Governor Acharya is scheduled to depart on May 30 with the delegation carrying the relics under full ceremonial honours. During the exposition, monks, devotees, scholars and spiritual followers from different parts of Mongolia are expected to offer prayers and pay homage to the holy relics.

The event is being regarded as a historic spiritual occasion reflecting the shared Buddhist heritage and close friendship between India and Mongolia. Governor Acharya is expected to return to India on June 3.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash