Buddha Relics Reach Bhutan - India’s “Gift of Peace” at Global Peace Prayer Festival (GPPF)
In News
Event: India sent sacred relics of Lord Buddha to Bhutan as a “goodwill gift” for the Global Peace Prayer Festival (GPPF) in Thimphu.
Date: November 2025
Occasion: Commemorates the 70th birth anniversary of Bhutan’s Fourth King, Jigme Singye Wangchuk, coinciding with PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Bhutan (November 11–12, 2025).
Key Details
Specification | Information |
Sacred Relics Origin | Piprahwa, Uttar Pradesh (near Nepal border) |
Destination | Grand Kuenray of Tashichhodzong, Thimphu, Bhutan |
Event Name | Global Peace Prayer Festival (GPPF) |
Organizer | Centre for Bhutan and Gross National Happiness Studies |
Purpose | To celebrate Buddha’s message of peace, harmony, and compassion; mark the Fourth King’s 70th birth anniversary |
Bhutan’s Perspective | Bhutan’s PM Tshering Tobgay described it as a “gift from PM Modi” symbolizing spiritual collaboration between the two nations |
About the Relics — The Piprahwa Relics
The Piprahwa Relics, which include bone fragments, soapstone and crystal caskets, a sandstone coffer and offerings, such as gold ornaments and gemstones
An inscription in the Brahmi script on one of the caskets confirms these as relics of the Buddha deposited by the Sakya clan
Feature | Details |
Discovery Site | Piprahwa, near Siddharthnagar, Uttar Pradesh (close to Lumbini, Nepal) |
Discovered By | British archaeologist William Claxton Peppe in 1898 |
Historical Context | Excavated from a stupa believed to mark the site of ancient Kapilavastu, the capital of the Shakya clan (Lord Buddha’s family) |
Nature of Relics | Fragments of bones and ashes, believed to be part of Buddha’s physical remains (Saririka relics) |
Archaeological Evidence | Contained in inscribed stone reliquaries written in Brahmi script, referring to Sakyamuni (Buddha) |
Custodian in India | National Museum, New Delhi — houses relics used for international exhibitions and religious events under MEA approval |
Global Recognition | Among the most venerated Buddhist relics, loaned to countries such as Sri Lanka, Mongolia, Thailand, and South Korea earlier |
About the Venue: Tashichhodzong
Location: Thimphu, Bhutan
Meaning: “Fortress of the Glorious Religion”
Significance: Houses the Throne Room of the King, Office of the Prime Minister, and Central Monastic Body of Bhutan.
The relics were enshrined in the Grand Kuenray Hall, symbolizing the blend of royal and religious traditions.
Cultural and Diplomatic Significance
1. Soft Power Diplomacy
India’s cultural diplomacy through Buddhism strengthens “civilizational connect” with Buddhist nations (Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Mongolia, Nepal, Japan).
Promotes India’s role as the “Land of Buddha” and custodian of Buddhist heritage.
2. Strengthening India–Bhutan Ties
The gesture reinforces the “special and spiritual partnership” between India and Bhutan — transcending economic or political dimensions.
Enhances people-to-people contact through shared Buddhist heritage.
3. Symbol of Peace and Global Harmony
The Global Peace Prayer Festival (GPPF) emphasizes Buddha’s universal message of compassion, tolerance, and non-violence.
The relics’ display during the event aligns with Bhutan’s philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH).
4. Continuity of Shared Traditions
Echoes earlier occasions where India sent relics to Buddhist nations:
Mongolia (2022) — Buddha relics sent for Vesak celebrations.
Sri Lanka (2012) and Thailand (2018) — for public veneration.
Vietnam and South Korea (2019–2023) — during cultural exchange events.
About the Global Peace Prayer Festival (GPPF)
Component | Description |
Organized by | Centre for Bhutan and Gross National Happiness Studies |
Theme | “Peace, Prosperity, and Happiness through Compassion” |
Duration | 16 days (November 6–22, 2025) |
Location | Thimphu and Punakha, Bhutan |
Participants | Buddhist monks, scholars, and spiritual leaders from 30+ nations |
Aim | Promote inter-faith dialogue, sustainable development, and spiritual harmony |
Prelims Practice MCQs
Q. With reference to the Piprahwa Relics, consider the following statements:
They were discovered in Uttar Pradesh near the India–Nepal border.
They are believed to belong to the Mauryan period under Emperor Ashoka.
They are housed in the National Museum, New Delhi.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 3 only
B. 1 only
C. 1 and 2 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: A. 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
Discovered in 1898 (pre-Mauryan period) at Piprahwa; the Mauryan connection arises later due to Ashokan stupas distributing relics.
Q. Consider the following statements regarding the Global Peace Prayer Festival (GPPF) held in Bhutan:
It is organized by the Centre for Bhutan and Gross National Happiness Studies.
The 2025 festival marks the 70th birth anniversary of Bhutan’s Fourth King.
The sacred relics of Buddha were loaned from India’s Piprahwa site.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 3 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1, 2 and 3
D. 1 and 2 only
✅ Answer: C.
Q. The Tashichhodzong in Bhutan, recently in news, is:
A. A royal palace located in eastern Bhutan.
B. A Buddhist monastery and seat of Bhutan’s central monastic body.
C. A newly constructed international convention centre.
D. The site of Bhutan’s oldest university.
✅ Answer: B.