Published: 3 February 2026PIB / DD News / The Tribune / High Commission of India ColomboInternational
Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha Exhibited in Sri Lanka from February 4–10; India's Cultural Diplomacy
From February 4–10, 2026, the sacred Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha were exhibited at the Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo, Sri Lanka, in a landmark act of India's cultural diplomacy. The relics, normally enshrined at The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat, were transported to Sri Lanka with full state honours. Over one million people participated in the public veneration during the week-long exposition, and the relics returned to India on February 11, 2026.
The Devnimori archaeological site is located near Shamlaji in Aravalli district, Gujarat. First excavated in 1957 by archaeologist Prof. S.N. Chowdhry, the site revealed Buddhist structures and a relic casket of green schist bearing the inscription 'dashabala sharira nilay' (abode of the Buddha's bodily relic), containing a copper box with holy ashes. The relics testify to the flourishing of Buddhism in western India during the early centuries of the Common Era.
The exposition is part of India–Sri Lanka civilisational and diplomatic outreach, deepening people-to-people ties with one of India's key Buddhist-heritage neighbours. It also carries an indirect connection to Rajasthan's own Buddhist heritage at sites like Bairat (Viratnagar), where Ashoka's edicts have been found.
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Q: Examine the role of Buddhist cultural diplomacy in India-Sri Lanka relations, drawing on the February 2026 Devnimori relics exposition.
Answer (50 words):
From February 4–10, 2026, the Devnimori Buddha relics from Aravalli, Gujarat were exhibited at Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo, drawing over one million devotees. Originally enshrined at Maharaja Sayajirao University, Vadodara and first excavated in 1957 by Prof. S.N. Chowdhry, the relics strengthened civilisational ties with Sri Lanka and deepened people-to-people Buddhist-heritage diplomacy.
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In which country were the Devnimori relics of Lord Buddha exhibited in February 2026?
Explanation · Correct answer CThe Devnimori relics of Lord Buddha were exhibited in Sri Lanka from February 4-10, 2026 as part of India's cultural diplomacy.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Devnimori Relics, where were they discovered, and from which period do they date?
The Devnimori Relics are sacred relics of Lord Buddha discovered at a 4th-century stupa in Aravalli district, Gujarat. They are considered among the most important Buddhist artefacts in India and have been preserved at the Baroda Museum.
Where and when were the Devnimori Relics exhibited in Sri Lanka and how many devotees visited?
The Devnimori Relics were exhibited at Gangaramaya Temple in Sri Lanka from February 4–10, 2026. The exhibition drew over one million (10 lakh) devotees, making it a major public religious event in Sri Lanka.
What is the significance of the Devnimori Relics exhibition for India-Sri Lanka relations?
The exhibition of Devnimori Relics in Sri Lanka was a major act of India's Buddhist cultural diplomacy aimed at strengthening civilisational ties with Sri Lanka through shared Buddhist heritage. India has been using Buddhist diplomacy across Asia to deepen bilateral relations.
What is Buddhist diplomacy and how has India been using it in its foreign policy?
Buddhist diplomacy refers to using shared Buddhist heritage as a soft power tool to strengthen bilateral relations with countries having significant Buddhist populations. India has deployed this strategy with Sri Lanka, Thailand, Japan, and other Asian nations to promote cultural ties alongside strategic and economic partnerships.
In which district of Gujarat are the Devnimori Relics from, and which ministry manages them?
The Devnimori Relics are from Aravalli district in Gujarat. They were discovered at a 4th-century Buddhist stupa site and are considered a significant archaeological heritage of India, managed in coordination with the Ministry of Culture.
