Bhopal May 28, 2026

A deep sense of devotion and pride filled Raja Bhoj Airport in Bhopal on Thursday as the sacred relics of Lord Buddha’s chief disciples, Sariputra and Mahamodgalayan, were ceremonially sent to Mongolia with full honours. The spiritual journey is being seen as another major step in strengthening India’s centuries-old Buddhist ties with the world.

Addressing the farewell ceremony, Madhya Pradesh Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Prahlad Singh Patel described the occasion as a “golden chapter” in the history of both India and Madhya Pradesh. He said the sacred relics are not merely ancient remains, but living symbols of peace, compassion and global harmony. Patel said the exhibition of these holy relics in Mongolia would give wider global recognition to India’s Buddhist heritage and also strengthen Madhya Pradesh’s identity on the international spiritual tourism map. He pointed out that the sacred relics of Buddha’s great disciples are preserved only in India, Sri Lanka and Myanmar, making them an invaluable spiritual treasure for the Buddhist world.

He said the growing international interest in Buddhist heritage would encourage more pilgrims and tourists from countries like Mongolia to visit Sanchi and other Buddhist sites in Madhya Pradesh. Recalling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cultural outreach policies, Patel said the government has consistently worked to connect global devotees with India’s spiritual traditions. Sharing an old policy initiative from Modi’s tenure as Culture Minister, Patel said signboards in local languages were introduced at major Buddhist sites for countries sending large numbers of tourists to India. Following the arrival of over two lakh visitors from Sri Lanka, signboards in the Sri Lankan language were installed at Sanchi to make pilgrims feel more connected and comfortable during their journey.

Patel noted Sanchi’s global importance is not limited to its ancient stone stupas alone. The presence of these sacred relics has transformed it into a living centre of faith and devotion for Buddhists across the world. Referring to the earlier successful visit of the relics to Thailand, he said the emotional and spiritual response received there reflected the deep cultural bonds India shares with Buddhist nations.

Bhopal Collector Priyank Mishra also called the relics a priceless symbol of global brotherhood. Referring to Prime Minister Modi’s vision of “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi”, he said the administration remains committed to preserving heritage while moving towards development. Mishra emotionally recalled his roots in Gorakhpur, a region closely associated with Lord Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana. He said witnessing the sacred farewell ceremony in Bhopal was a deeply personal and spiritual moment for him. He expressed confidence that such cultural exchanges would further strengthen Madhya Pradesh’s identity in countries across Central Asia, including Mongolia.

Buddhist spiritual leader Ban Gal Up Tissa Nayaka Theri described Sanchi as not merely a historical site, but a priceless treasure of spiritual glory. Sharing his experience from the relics’ earlier Thailand visit, he said nearly 5.5 million devotees had offered prayers and paid respects with immense faith and devotion. He said relics hold the highest place in Buddhist tradition and called himself fortunate to serve as the custodian of such sacred heritage linked with Sanchi.

The farewell ceremony was attended by several Buddhist monks, officials of the International Buddhist Confederation, senior administrative officers and cultural representatives. Amid chanting of Buddhist prayers and traditional rituals, the sacred relics were bid an emotional and respectful farewell before beginning their spiritual journey to Mongolia.