Holy relics of Lord Buddha return to India after public exposition in Bhutan
New Delhi (PTI): A portion of the holy relics of Lord Buddha enshrined at the National Museum here has been brought back to the country following a 17-day public exposition in Bhutan, officials said on Tuesday.
The exposition signified the cultural bonds between India and Bhutan and was part of the Global Peace Prayer Festival (GPPF) in Thimphu, a major event praying for world peace and the healing of humanity.
"Honoured to bring back sacred Buddha Relics to India after 17 Days exposition in Bhutan. Bhutan's profound reverence for Holy Buddha Relics inspire harmony between the people of India & Bhutan. I'm deeply touched by His Majesty the King of Bhutan's personal care & his presence during the ceremonial departure event," Union minister Kiren Rijiju said in a post on X.
He also shared a video of the return journey.
The relics were brought back in a C-130J transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force.
"I also thank Hon'ble Prime Minister of Bhutan and his Cabinet, Laytshog Lopen of Central Monastic Body, Venerable Monks and entire Royal Govt of Bhutan for the special arrangements for the Relics and the memorable visit of Hon’ble PM @narendramodi ji to Bhutan on 11th Nov 2025," he said.
The holy relics of Lord Buddha were enshrined at the Grand Kuenrey Hall at Tashichhodzong with a traditional chipdrel procession, prayers, ceremonies and a guard of honour, the Indian Embassy in Thimpu had said in a post on X earlier.
The relics were enshrined for public veneration at the Kuenrey Hall of Tashichho Dzong in Thimphu, originally from November 8 to 18, marking a moment of deep spiritual unity between India and Bhutan.
The exposition was later extended for one week following a request of the Royal Government of Bhutan, the Culture Ministry had said in a statement on November 17.
Honored to bring back sacred Buddha Relics to India after 17 Days exposition in Bhutan. Bhutan’s profound reverence for Holy Buddha Relics inspire harmony between the people of India & Bhutan. I'm deeply touched by His Majesty the King of Bhutan's personal care & hi presence… pic.twitter.com/D9dEE2Rku2
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) November 25, 2025
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TN govt reaffirms 21-yr age limit for liquor sales
Chennai (PTI): Seeking to curb rising alcohol consumption among minors in the state, the Tamil Nadu government has reinforced the legal age requirement of 21 for all liquor purchases and consumption.
The government has also ordered the closure of 717 liquor outlets across the state and warned of strict action against those who violate the new directives.
The state-owned Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC), the agency which holds a monopoly on sales of liquor, will be shutting 276 outlets near places of worship, 186 near educational institutions and 255 outlets near bus stations.
A senior TASMAC official on Thursday said that the staff at liquor shops have been instructed to check identity proof, including Aadhaar card, for all customers whose age is in question.
The official also said that the state government is considering a reduction in operational hours.
Currently, the liquor shops across the state operate from 12 noon to 10 pm.
"They are weighing a proposal to move the closing time to 8 pm," he added.
At present, the TASMAC operates a total of 4,765 liquor shops across the state. After the closure of 717 shops, it would come down to 4,048 outlets.
In 2025, the revenue from liquor sales stood at Rs 48,344 crore, which is the second highest after the registration department.
