An Indian delegation, headed by Ladakh Lt Governor Vinai Saxena, landed in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, to bring back the holy relics of Lord Buddha’s chief disciples, Arahant Sariputra and Arahant Maudgalyayana. The relics, which were on display at the Gandantegchenling Monastery from May 31 to June 9, were flown from India to Mongolia for the exposition. The delegation, including Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, arrived in Ulaanbaatar with the relics, enjoying high protocol and security measures.
The delegation was welcomed at the airport by Tserennadmid Byambadoo, Governor of Arkhangai Province of Mongolia, Indian Ambassador Atul Malhari Gotsurve, and senior monks from the Gandan Monastery. The group, comprising around 45 members, also consisted of senior officers and respected monks from India and Sri Lanka. The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) played a significant role in organizing the exposition, in collaboration with the Mahabodhi Society of Sri Lanka and the National Museum of India.
Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya expressed the significance of transporting the relics of Lord Buddha’s disciples, stating that it symbolizes carrying a message of peace and spiritual energy. Devotees in Ulaanbaatar eagerly lined up at the Gandantegchenling Monastery to pay their respects to the holy relics. This event follows a similar visit in June 2022 when four sacred Kapilavastu Relics of the Buddha were exhibited in Mongolia after 29 years.
The Indian Embassy highlighted that Ladakh and Arkhangai signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in October 2025, focusing on various sectors like cultural exchange, tourism, trade, education, and agriculture. The collaboration between the two regions aims to strengthen ties and promote mutual cooperation in diverse fields.
