New Delhi, 11 February (H.S.): The sacred Devnimori relics of Lord Buddha have departed Sri Lanka for India following a historic public exhibition. Held over one week at the prestigious Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo, the display drew devotees from across the country.

The Ministry of Culture confirmed this marks the first time these holy relics have been taken abroad for international exhibition.A high-level Indian delegation traveled to Sri Lanka to escort them back, led by Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel and Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, accompanied by senior Buddhist monks and officials.

The formal departure ceremony occurred at Bandaranaike International Airport, attended by Sri Lankan ministers and India's High Commissioner.Over the seven-day exhibition, devotees from various parts of Sri Lanka paid homage to the relics, with estimates indicating more than 1 million faithful offered their tributes.

Sri Lanka's Prime Minister, Cabinet ministers, parliamentarians, former presidents, and other dignitaries also paid obeisance.The exhibition was inaugurated by Sri Lanka's President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Sri Lankan leaders expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India for making this historic spiritual event possible. From the Indian side, Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat and Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi attended the inaugural ceremony.This landmark exhibition was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his state visit to Sri Lanka in April 2025.

The event has further strengthened the centuries-old spiritual and civilizational bonds between India and Sri Lanka, while reaffirming India's role as the global custodian of Buddhist heritage.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar