Culture has always been a bridge for India to strengthen bonds across nations. Buddhism, a philosophy from the doctrines of the Buddha, also runs in the country’s arteries.
Now, India is taking a piece of its Buddhist heritage to Sri Lanka.
Between February 4 and 10, the sacred Devnimori relics of Lord Buddha will be on public display in Colombo.
As of now, the relics, an archaeological treasure and a living symbol of Buddha’s teachings of peace, compassion, are enshrined at The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda. They are celebrated as an archaeological treasure of Buddha’s teachings of peace and compassion.
Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, senior monks, and officials will travel with the relics, reports added.
They will fly on a special Indian Air Force aircraft with full state honours.
The relics come from the Devnimori site, two kilometres from Shamlaji in Gujarat’s Aravalli district. Excavated in 1957 by archaeologist SN Chowdhry, the site revealed Buddhist structures and artifacts dating back to the early centuries of the Common Era.
The relic casket was found 24 feet above the base of the stupa. Made of green schist, it is inscribed in Brahmi script and Sanskrit as “dashabala sharira nilayâ,” meaning the abode of Buddha’s bodily relics. Inside is a copper box holding holy ashes, silk cloth, beads, and a gold-coated silver-copper bottle. Everything rests on a cotton base for preservation.
The government said the display continues the vision outlined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his 2025 visit to Sri Lanka. Sharing India’s Buddhist heritage strengthens ties rooted in faith, history, and values. It also underscores India’s role as a custodian of global Buddhist heritage.
In recent years, India has exhibited Buddha relics in Thailand, Mongolia, Vietnam, Russia, and Bhutan, attracting millions of devotees. The Devnimori relics’ journey, officials told media outlets, is a symbol of peace and a celebration of shared spiritual inheritance. It is also a reaffirmation of the enduring friendship between India and Sri Lanka.
Also Read: 2000-Yr-Old Buddha Statues Submerged In Vadodara Flood waters https://www.vibesofindia.com/2000-yr-old-buddha-statues-submerged-in-vadodara-flood-waters/
