Buddha relics travel to Bhutan for the Global Peace Prayer Festival
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Asked by UPSCPrelims 20261 PYQ
UPSC has already asked about this. Read the story with these questions in mind.
What happened
- Sacred relics of the Buddha kept at the National Museum, New Delhi, went to Thimphu for public exposition from 8 to 18 November 2025 at the Global Peace Prayer Festival [PIB].
- The festival coincided with the 70th birth anniversary of Bhutan’s Fourth King, Jigme Singye Wangchuk. PIB calls Bhutan the only Vajrayana kingdom in the world [PIB].
Background
- The relic delegation was led by Dr Virendra Kumar, Union Minister of Social Justice [PIB].
Why it matters
- Shared faith is a soft-power asset with Bhutan, where China is also trying to raise its profile.
How to use this in Mains
- As per PIB (2025-11-07): sacred relics of the Buddha kept at the National Museum, New Delhi, went to Thimphu for public exposition from 8 to 18 November 2025 at the Global Peace Prayer Festival.
- Shared faith is a soft-power asset with Bhutan, where China is also trying to raise its profile.
Quotable data pointThe festival coincided with the 70th birth anniversary of Bhutan's Fourth King, Jigme Singye Wangchuk. PIB calls Bhutan the only Vajrayana kingdom in the world.
PIB: Culture: Buddha relics to Bhutan, 7 Nov 2025
Exam angle
UPSC
Prelims: Vajrayana, Bhutan.
Practice MCQs
Original practice questions (not PYQs).
Practice · UPSC
Exposition dates in Thimphu
Answer (b) & explanation
PIB.
Practice · UPSC
Bhutan follows which form of Buddhism?
Answer (b) & explanation
PIB.
Practice · UPSC
Whose 70th birth anniversary did the festival mark?
Answer (a) & explanation
PIB.
Go deeper
ExplainerJainism for UPSC: Mahavira, Tirthankaras, Teachings, Sects, Councils and PYQsExplainerBuddhism for UPSC: Life of the Buddha, Teachings, Councils, Sects, Art and PYQs
Official source: PIB: Culture: Buddha relics to Bhutan, 7 Nov 2025
facts from cited sources only; faculty review pending