Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, recently returned to India from Russia, bringing with him sacred relics of Lord Buddha. These relics had been on a week-long public exposition held in Elista, the capital city of Kalmykia, a unique region in Europe distinguished by its Buddhist-majority population. The exhibition took place from October 11 to 18 at the Geden Sheddup Choikorling Monastery, also popularly known as the "Golden Abode of Shakyamuni Buddha." This event was historic, attracting over 90,000 devotees and marking a significant moment of spiritual and cultural connection between India and Russia.
The exhibition was not only a religious event but also a powerful symbol of shared heritage and mutual respect between the two nations. It emphasized the deep-rooted Buddhist traditions that unite India, the birthplace of Buddhism, with Kalmykia, Europe’s only Buddhist-majority region. The presence of the holy relics of Lord Buddha, recognized as a National Treasure of India, was a pivotal element of this cultural exchange. Their arrival and display in Kalmykia were seen as a homecoming of faith that resonated deeply with the local Buddhist community and visitors alike.
A high-level Indian delegation led by Shri Keshav Prasad Maurya, Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, accompanied by senior Indian monks, played a key role in this landmark event. The delegation conducted several special religious ceremonies and blessings for the people of Kalmykia, further enhancing the spiritual significance of the exposition. These ceremonies helped foster a sense of unity and reverence among the devotees, bridging geographical and cultural distances through shared spiritual experiences.
This landmark exhibition was the first of its kind in the Russian Federation and served to highlight the longstanding cultural and civilizational ties between India and Russia. The event was particularly meaningful as it celebrated the legacy of the 19th Kushok Bakula Rinpoche, a revered Buddhist monk and diplomat from Ladakh. Kushok Bakula Rinpoche was instrumental in revitalizing Buddhism in Mongolia and rekindling interest in Buddha Dharma across several Russian Buddhist regions, including Kalmykia, Buryatia, and Tuva. His efforts laid the groundwork for stronger religious and cultural connections that continue to flourish today.
The presence of the Buddha relics in Kalmykia was more than just a religious exhibition; it was a reaffirmation of India’s commitment to fostering mutual understanding, trust, and cooperation with other nations through shared spiritual and cultural values. The event underscored the potential of spiritual diplomacy as a tool to build lasting connections and promote peace and harmony on an international scale.
During the week-long exposition, thousands of devotees and visitors from across the region participated in various religious and cultural activities centered around the relics. The Geden Sheddup Choikorling Monastery, already a significant spiritual center in Kalmykia, became a beacon of faith and cultural unity during this time. The monastery, renowned for its architectural beauty and spiritual ambiance, provided an ideal setting for showcasing the sacred relics and conducting the associated ceremonies.
The successful culmination of this exhibition and the safe return of the relics to India were hailed as a significant achievement by officials and spiritual leaders alike. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha emphasized the importance of such events in strengthening people-to-people ties and enhancing bilateral relations between India and Russia. Through these shared spiritual experiences, both nations are able to deepen their cultural bonds and work towards a future of greater cooperation and harmony.
This event also brought to light the unique status of Kalmykia as Europe’s only Buddhist-majority region, highlighting its role as a cultural bridge between the East and the West. Kalmykia’s Buddhist heritage has been nurtured over centuries and continues to be a vital part of the region’s identity. The exhibition of the Buddha relics there not only honored this heritage but also provided an opportunity for cultural exchange and mutual learning.
In summary, the week-long exhibition of Lord Buddha’s holy relics in Kalmykia was a historic and spiritually significant event that celebrated the shared Buddhist heritage of India and Russia. Led by a high-profile Indian delegation, the exhibition attracted tens of thousands of devotees and highlighted the enduring cultural ties between the two countries. It paid tribute to the legacy of Kushok Bakula Rinpoche and reinforced India’s commitment to fostering international friendship through spiritual and cultural diplomacy. The successful hosting of this event in Europe’s only Buddhist-majority region underscored the