India Secures Postponement of Sacred Buddhist Relics Auction in Hong Kong
The Indian government successfully postponed an auction of sacred Buddhist relics at Sotheby's Hong Kong. The Piprahwa relics, unearthed in 1898 in India, hold immense historical significance. The Ministry of Culture issued a legal notice demanding their return, highlighting their sacred value to millions of Buddhists worldwide.
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India announced on Wednesday that it has successfully delayed the auction of a portion of sacred Buddhist relics by Sotheby's Hong Kong. The auction, which was set for May 7, involved relics excavated from India's Piprahwa Stupa in 1898.
The Ministry of Culture stated that a legal notice was served to Sotheby's on May 5, demanding the cessation of the auction and the repatriation of these artifacts to India. The Piprahwa relics include bone fragments and various offerings, possessing deep historical and spiritual significance as they are linked to Lord Buddha's birthplace.
The Indian Ministry collaborated with the Archaeological Survey of India and the Ministry of External Affairs to foster discussions about the relics' return. Efforts were also supported by international bodies, and after dialogues, Sotheby's agreed to postpone the auction, removing it from their website pending further discussion.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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