The Holy Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha, presently enshrined at The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda in Vadodara, will be taken to Sri Lanka for a public exposition in Colombo from 4 February to 10 February. The relics will return on 11 February. The initiative combines spiritual outreach, cultural diplomacy and India’s Buddhist heritage.
Relics to Travel with State Honours
The relics will be ceremonially handed over in Vadodara and sent to Sri Lanka with full state honours. A high-level Indian delegation will accompany them, including the Gujarat Governor, the Deputy Chief Minister and senior monks. The relics will travel by special Indian Air Force aircraft via Delhi to Colombo.
Public Exposition at Gangaramaya Temple
The relics will be enshrined for public veneration at Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo. This temple is among the most prominent Buddhist institutions in Sri Lanka. The programme will include ceremonial, religious and official engagements, along with exhibitions on India’s Buddhist legacy.
Archaeological Significance of Devnimori Relics
The Devnimori relics originate from the Devnimori archaeological site near Shamlaji in Gujarat’s Aravalli district. The site was first explored in 1957 and revealed Buddhist structures and relics from the early centuries of the Common Era. The relic casket was found inside the stupa, made of green schist and inscribed in Brahmi script and Sanskrit. It contained a copper box with holy ashes, silk cloth, beads and other preserved materials.
Cultural Diplomacy and Buddhist Heritage
The exposition is part of India’s wider effort to share sacred Buddhist heritage with other countries. Such displays strengthen people-to-people ties and reinforce historical links with Sri Lanka. India has earlier exhibited sacred relics in countries such as Thailand, Mongolia, Vietnam, the Russian Federation and Bhutan.
Last Modified: April 27, 2026