Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended his heartfelt appreciation to the leadership and people of Bhutan for the warm and reverent welcome accorded to the sacred relics of Lord Buddha sent from India. The relics, which hold immense spiritual and historical significance, were received in a grand ceremony at the Tashichhodzong monastery in Thimphu, one of Bhutan’s most revered monastic and administrative complexes. The event marked a powerful moment of cultural and spiritual unity between the two Himalayan neighbours.
In a message shared on X, Prime Minister 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.” His words underscored the deep spiritual connection between India and Bhutan, two nations bound by the principles of Buddhism and a shared legacy of mutual respect and cultural exchange.
The relics arrived in Bhutan on November 8, 2025, and are scheduled to be enshrined at Tashichhodzong from November 8 to 18, allowing the Bhutanese public to pay homage. The arrival ceremony was marked by traditional Buddhist chants, processions, and prayers, with Bhutanese monks and government leaders joining Indian officials in the sacred event. The relics were carried in a decorated chariot and received with full state honours, highlighting the reverence both nations hold for Lord Buddha’s teachings.
Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, senior ministers, and members of the monastic body were present during the ceremony, alongside an Indian delegation led by Union Minister Virendra Kumar. The event, described as deeply emotional and spiritually charged, symbolized the strengthening of cultural and religious ties between India and Bhutan. For Bhutan, which holds Buddhism at the core of its national identity, the enshrinement of the relics is both a moment of devotion and an affirmation of its long-standing friendship with India.
Prime Minister Modi’s appreciation comes at a time when India continues to promote its “Neighbourhood First” policy, emphasizing cultural diplomacy and regional partnerships built on mutual respect and shared values. The transfer of Buddha’s relics is seen as a gesture of goodwill that goes beyond politics, reflecting India’s role as a custodian of Buddhist heritage. For Bhutan, hosting the relics is not just a matter of faith but also a celebration of its deep spiritual roots and its enduring bond with India.
The relics themselves are of immense significance, believed to date back over 2,500 years and representing a direct connection to the life and teachings of Gautama Buddha. Their presence in Bhutan is expected to draw thousands of devotees and pilgrims, reinforcing the timeless relevance of Buddha’s message of peace, compassion, and harmony
As both countries continue to deepen their diplomatic and cultural engagement, this event stands out as a testament to the power of shared spirituality in strengthening international friendship. Prime Minister Modi’s message of gratitude reflects India’s recognition of Bhutan’s devotion and hospitality, while the Bhutanese gesture of reverence reaffirms the deep and sacred bond that unites the two nations across centuries of shared history and faith.
