Holy Relics of Lord Buddha Arrive in Elista, Russia, for Historic Eight-Day Exposition at Geden Sheddup Choikorling Monastery

In a momentous cultural and spiritual event, the sacred relics of Lord Buddha, transported from India via a special Indian Air Force aircraft, reached Elista, the capital of Russia’s Kalmykia Republic, today. This marks the commencement of an eight-day exposition from October 11 to 18, 2025, hosted at the revered Geden Sheddup Choikorling Monastery—known as the “Golden Abode of Shakyamuni Buddha.” The event underscores a significant bridge between Indian heritage and Russian Buddhism, organized by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in partnership with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), the National Museum, and the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA).

A Spiritual Journey with Global Resonance

The relics, accompanied by a distinguished delegation of senior Indian monks led by Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Shri Keshav Prasad Maurya, will offer blessings and conduct religious ceremonies for Kalmykia’s predominantly Buddhist population. The delegation’s itinerary includes profound teachings and discourses by His Holiness the 43rd Sakya Trizin Rinpoche, the head of the Sakya Order. A highlight will be the presentation of the Holy ‘Kanjur’—a 108-volume set of Mongolian religious texts translated from Tibetan—donated by the IBC to nine Buddhist institutes and a university, sourced from the Ministry of Culture’s Manuscripts Division.

The relics were warmly received by Shajin Lama of Kalmykia, Geshe Tenzin Choidak, Republic of Kalmykia Head Mr. Batu Sergeyevich Khasikov, and other prominent Buddhist Sangha members. This exposition, a first for the Russian Republic, builds on the legacy of the 19th Kushok Bakula Rinpoche, a revered Ladakhi monk and diplomat who revitalized Buddhism in Mongolia and rekindled interest in the dharma across Russia’s Buryatia, Kalmykia, and Tuva regions.

Cultural Exhibitions and Diplomatic Ties

The Geden Sheddup Choikorling Monastery, a key Tibetan Buddhist center opened to the public in 1996 and nestled amid the Kalmyk steppe, will house the relics. The event will feature a series of enriching exhibitions: a unique display of Buddhist stamps from approximately 90 countries, curated by Mr. Vinod Kumar from Dharwad, Karnataka; an IBC presentation titled “Sacred Legacy of the Shakyas: Excavation and Exposition of Buddha’s Relics,” tracing the relics’ journey from ancient enshrinement to rediscovery, starting with Piprahwa (linked to Kapilavastu); and an exhibition on ‘Bodhicitta’—Treasures of Buddhist Art—showcasing artifacts from the National Museum of India and the National Mission for Manuscripts, spanning over two millennia of heritage.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is anticipated between the Central Spiritual Administration of Buddhists and the IBC, strengthening bilateral spiritual ties. This follows the 3rd International Buddhist Forum held in Elista from September 24-28, 2025, reinforcing Kalmykia’s role as a Buddhist hub.

Kalmykia: A Unique Cultural Landscape

Located in southwestern Russia near the Caspian Sea, Kalmykia is characterized by expansive grasslands and desert zones, shaped by the nomadic heritage of the Kalmyks—descendants of Oirat Mongols who migrated from Western Mongolia in the 17th century. As Europe’s only ethnic group practicing Mahayana Buddhism, their culture reflects a rich tapestry of mobility and spirituality, making this exposition a poignant homecoming of sorts.

This historic event not only celebrates shared Buddhist heritage but also fosters cultural exchange, offering Kalmykians and visitors a rare opportunity to connect with India’s ancient legacy. As the relics remain enshrined until October 18, the week promises a profound spiritual and educational journey for all.