In a historic moment for India-Mongolia relations, the Holy Relics of Arhat Sariputra and Arhat Mahamoggallana, the two chief disciples of Lord Buddha, were ceremonially enshrined at the Gandantegchenling Monastery in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The enshrinement took place on the auspicious occasion of Buddha Purnima (Vesak Day) on 31st May 2026 and inaugurated for public veneration in the presence of Hon’ble Governor of Assam Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Ambassador of India to Mongolia H.E. Mr Atul Malhari Gotsurve, senior dignitaries of the Government of Mongolia, eminent Buddhist leaders, senior officals from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, representatives of the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), Mahabodhi Society of Sri Lanka and distinguished guests from across the Buddhist world.
The international exposition has been jointly organised by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India and its nodal institution, the National Museum, in collaboration with the Government of Madhya Pradesh, IBC, the Mahabodhi Society of Sri Lanka, and Gandantegchenling Monastery. The relics will remain open for public veneration until 10 June 2026.
The exposition was announced by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during the State Visit of the President of Mongolia, H.E. Mr Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, to India in October 2025. The occasion holds special significance as both countries celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations and 10 years of Strategic Partnership. The sacred relics were transported on a special Indian Air Force IL-76 (Gajraj) aircraft and were accorded the protocol and security of a Head of State. This is only the second time these relics have travelled outside India, having previously visited Thailand in 2024.
Hon’ble Governor Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya, addressing the gathering, called the event a profound gesture of friendship and trust between the two nations. He recalled Prime Minister Modi's words that India and Mongolia are "spiritual neighbours," connected through the teachings of Lord Buddha for centuries.
A special exhibition titled "Vessels of Light: Iconography, Relics and Path of Dhamma" was also inaugurated at the monastery. Curated by the National Museum, New Delhi, it showcases the life and teachings of Lord Buddha through select treasures from India's museum collections. These relics, which have been preserved for centuries in the sacred stupas of Sanchi, are among India's most treasured cultural and spiritual inheritances. Thousands of devotees are expected to participate in the exposition and further strengthen the centuries-old spiritual bond between India and Mongolia, reaffirming the shared Buddhist heritage that continues to connect the peoples of the two countries.
