Today, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, opened a special photo exhibition called “Thailand-India Interwoven Legacies: Stream of Faith in Buddhism.” The event took place at the National Museum in New Delhi. He was joined by important guests from Thailand, including H.E. Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, Ambassador H.E. Pattarat Hongtong, and Dr. B.R. Mani, Director General of the National Museum.
Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat spoke about how the photos show the Thai people’s deep love and respect for Bhagwan Buddha and his message of peace and kindness. He mentioned that, according to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the teachings of Lord Buddha create a strong spiritual connection between India and Thailand.
The exhibition highlights how much the people of Thailand respect the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha and his top disciples, Arahat Sariputta and Arahat Maha Mogallana. These relics were found in Piprahwa, a place in Uttar Pradesh, India. They show the strong cultural ties between India and Thailand.
In 1970-71, the Archaeological Survey of India found two special boxes with twenty-two sacred bone relics at Piprahwa. Most of these relics are now shown in the National Museum in New Delhi. Some are also displayed in the Indian Museum in Kolkata.
Earlier this year, the Holy Relics were shown in Thailand during a special 25-day event called the Ganga-Mekong Holy Relics Dhammayatra. During this time, the relics were displayed at four important places in Thailand: Sanam Luang Pavilion in Bangkok, Ho Kum Luang in Chiang Mai, Wat Maha Wanaram in Ubon Ratchathani, and Wat Maha That Wachiramongkol in Krabi. More than four million people came to see the relics, and there were colorful ceremonies and chants organized by both Thai people and the Indian community.
This big event was put together by the governments of Thailand and India, with help from the Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian Embassy in Thailand, the National Museum, the International Buddhist Confederation, and the Mahabodhi Society.
Holy Relics: These are sacred remains of important religious figures. In this case, they are the bones of Lord Buddha and his main disciples. People respect and honor these relics because they believe they hold spiritual power.
Key Insights:
- A special photo exhibition was opened by Indian and Thai officials.
- The exhibition shows the strong connection between India and Thailand through Buddhism.
- Holy Relics of Lord Buddha and his disciples are the main attraction.
- Millions of people visited the relics during a 25-day event in Thailand.
- The event was a collaboration between Thailand and India.