This weekend, we had the rare privilege of attending one of the most important cultural exhibitions Delhi has witnessed in recent years – The Light and the Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One, held at Rai Pithora Cultural Complex.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and being invited to be part of this moment felt deeply special. As people who love exploring India’s layered stories – of faith, art, and history – this was one of those evenings that stayed with us long after we walked out.

Organised by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, the exhibition brings together sacred Buddha relics that had remained separated for more than a century, now reunited on Indian soil.

Piprahwa Relics of Lord Buddha: Reunited After 127 Years

At the centre of this landmark exhibition are the Piprahwa relics of Lord Buddha, first discovered in 1898 at the ancient Kapilavastu stupa by William Claxton Peppé. After their discovery, a part of the relics went to United Kingdom.

What makes this exhibition historic is that, after 127 years, these sacred relics have been brought together once again. The recently repatriated Peppé family collection, returned to India in July 2025, now stands alongside relics from the 1898 excavation, housed at the Indian Museum, Kolkata and the National Museum, Delhi.

This reunion is not just an archaeological milestone, but also a powerful emotional moment for followers of Buddhism across the world.

PM Modi’s Message at the Inauguration

Addressing the gathering at the inauguration, the Prime Minister underlined India’s civilizational values with a powerful line: “Bharat Buddha ki Bhoomi hai, yuddh ki nahi” – India is the land of Buddha, not of war.

He congratulated the people of India on the historic reunion of Lord Buddha’s long-lost relics with the rest of the Piprahwa collection, calling it a moment of national pride and global spiritual significance. He also highlighted the innovative public–private partnership that made this possible – a collaboration between the Ministry of Culture and Godrej Industries Group.

Through their collective efforts, the auction of the relics at Sotheby’s was successfully halted, ensuring that these sacred artefacts returned to their rightful home. The Prime Minister urged all Indians to visit the exhibition and experience this extraordinary chapter of India’s spiritual and cultural history first-hand.

Inside The Light and the Lotus Exhibition: What You’ll See

At the very heart of the exhibition is a replica of the Sanchi Stupa, created as the spiritual and visual centrepiece of the entire space. Inside this stupa, the sacred Buddha relics have been placed with reverence, allowing visitors to engage with them in an atmosphere that feels calm and contemplative.

Encircling the stupa are Buddha-inspired paintings, sculptures, manuscripts, ritual objects, and a specially created AV film that traces the journey of the relics and their deeper philosophical meaning. The stupa itself is surrounded by rows of softly glowing electric candles, creating a serene, almost surreal setting that gently draws visitors into reflection.

The exhibition features over 80 rare objects, spanning from the 6th century BCE to the present day. Among these are sacred relics, gem relics, thangkas, sculptures, and the original monolithic stone coffer in which the Piprahwa gem relics were first discovered – a silent yet powerful reminder of a defining archaeological moment.

The Inauguration Ceremony

The inauguration ceremony reflected the exhibition’s global and cultural importance, with participation from Union Ministers, diplomats, Buddhist monks, scholars, heritage experts, artists, students, media professionals, and cultural influencers – all gathered under one roof.

The evening was elevated further by thoughtfully curated cultural performances. A vibrant Peacock Dance by tribal communities from Arunachal Pradesh brought colour and energy rooted in India’s living traditions. This was followed by a contemporary presentation where Mohiniattam, Odissi, and Kathak came together seamlessly with Kerala’s martial art Kalaripayattu, creating a powerful interplay of grace, rhythm, and strength.

These performances echoed the exhibition’s central idea – many paths, many traditions, yet one shared spiritual legacy.

India as the Birthplace of Buddhism

The exhibition also reinforces India’s role as the birthplace of Buddhism and its growing emphasis on cultural diplomacy. Under the current leadership, India has successfully repatriated 642 antiquities, with the return of the Piprahwa relics standing out as one of the most meaningful achievements.

The Light and the Lotus quietly reminds us that India’s spiritual heritage is not just preserved in texts or monuments, but continues to inspire global conversations around peace, coexistence, and shared human values.

The Light and the Lotus Exhibition Open for Public in Delhi

If you missed the inauguration, there’s good news. The Light and the Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One exhibition is now open to the public at Rai Pithora Cultural Complex, New Delhi. These rare Buddha relics will later be reunited with the rest of the Piprahwa collection at the National Museum, Delhi and the Indian Museum, Kolkata.

Whether you’re interested in Buddhism, history, art, or simply experiences that make you pause and reflect, this exhibition deserves time. Go in without rush – and step out with a deeper sense of where we come from.