EASA visit to The Light and the Lotus: The Relics of the Awakened One - Grand International Exposition on 21 January 2026

EASA marked an auspicious beginning to 2026 with a visit to the newly inaugurated The Light and the Lotus: The Relics of the Awakened One exposition at the Rai Pithora Cultural Complex, New Delhi. The acclaimed exposition brings together the sacred relics, reliquaries, and jewels of the Buddha in a thoughtfully curated collection of Buddhist art, with an imaginative and creative use of space.

Around 45 EASA members, along with colleagues from SHoM, were guided by the incomparable Mrs Geeta Athreya and Mr Vishwas Gautam through the story of the Piprahwa discoveries and the repatriation of the Peppé jewels, which marks an important chapter in bringing home a part of India’s cultural and spiritual heritage. Through sculptures, relics, inscriptions, and panels, the exposition traced the life and teachings of the Buddha in a way that was engaging and moving.

Exhibitions and cultural spaces like these have a way of connecting us with thousands of years of our history and culture, making the past both tangible and unexpectedly close. This made the visit an enriching experience and, with such strong participation, also a welcome opportunity to reconnect with friends and colleagues over tea outdoors.

The visit concluded with Mrs Dolly Misri, President EASA, presenting tokens of thanks on behalf of EASA to Mrs Geeta Athreya and Mr Vishwas Gautam.

Members who are interested may also wish to explore the exposition’s website, which explains the exhibits in detail and includes audio guides:

https://piprahwaexhibition.com/

Thank you all for coming, and we look forward to seeing you at our next event!