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NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed his gratitude to the people and leadership of Bhutan for the warm and reverent welcome accorded to the sacred relics of Lord Buddha sent from India for public display.In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, “Heartfelt appreciation to the people and leadership of Bhutan for the reverent welcome accorded to the Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha from India. These relics symbolise the timeless message of peace, compassion and harmony. The teachings of Lord Buddha are a sacred link between our two nations’ shared spiritual heritage.” The relics, enshrined at the National Museum in New Delhi have been sent to Bhutan for public display from November 8 to 18. The exhibition marks yet another chapter in the deep spiritual and cultural connection between India and Bhutan.The Indian delegation accompanying the relics is led by union minister of social justice and empowerment Virendra Kumar and includes senior Buddhist monks and officials. Upon arrival at Paro International Airport on Saturday, the relics were received with solemn ceremony by Bhutan’s home minister Tshering, Tshoki Lopen of the Central Monastic Body, Paro Mayor Norbu Wangchuk, Indian Ambassador to Bhutan Sandeep Arya and other senior officials and monks. The Royal Queen Mother Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck and Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck also paid their respects to the sacred relics. Following the ceremonial welcome, the relics were taken to Tashichho Dzong’s Grand Kuenrey Hall in Thimphu, where they were enshrined with traditional rituals.Speaking at the ceremony, Virendra Kumar said he was deeply honoured to lead the Indian delegation. “This exposition strengthens the cultural and spiritual ties between India and Bhutan, reinforcing the shared heritage of peace and compassion inspired by Lord Buddha,” he said.Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Government of India for bringing the relics to Bhutan.He said the event, envisioned by the King of Bhutan, symbolised global peace and harmony. Tobgay also commended the collaborative efforts of India’s Ministry of Culture and the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), calling the exposition “a significant milestone in Bhutan-India relations.”He extended appreciation to PM Modi for facilitating the sacred visit, underscoring the deep-rooted spiritual and cultural bonds between the two nations.During the 10-day display, the IBC will organise three thematic exhibitions, to enrich the spiritual experience. These include – Guru Padmasambhava: Tracing the Life and Sacred Sites of the ‘Precious Guru’ in India, Sacred Legacy of the Shakyas: Excavation and Significance of Buddha Relics and Life and Teachings of the Buddha: A Journey Through the Path to Enlightenment.The exhibition in Bhutan stands as a symbol of peace, compassion and unity, reaffirming the spiritual bond between the peoples of India and Bhutan through the eternal teachings of Lord Buddha.This sacred exposition is part of India’s ongoing efforts to share its Buddhist heritage with the world. In recent years, relic exhibitions have been held in Mongolia, Thailand, Vietnam and Russia’s Kalmykia region. It also follows the historic repatriation of the Piprahwa Jewel Relics to India, an event Prime Minister Modi described as a national moment of pride.PM Modi is scheduled to pay a State visit to Bhutan from November 11 to 12. The visit aims to further strengthen the special friendship and cooperation between the two countries, continuing the tradition of regular high-level exchanges.