The Sotheby’s auction house in Hong Kong has postponed a scheduled exhibition of Buddhist artifacts, which was set to take place on May 7, following legal measures taken by the Government of India to prevent the auctioning of revered Buddhist heritage items.
Among the artifacts are approximately 1,800 pieces of jewelry, including pearls, gemstones, and gold ornaments, which were discovered in 1898 at a stupa located in Piprahwa, in the present-day Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. The excavation also revealed relics believed to be the sacred remains of the Buddha.
In defense of this profound Buddhist heritage and on behalf of Buddhists worldwide, efforts are being undertaken to ensure its protection under the jurisdiction of India. The Most Venerable Waskaduwe Mahindawansa Mahanayake Thero, President of the International Buddhist Confederation, and Dr. Damenda Poorage, Deputy Secretary-General of the same organization, are actively engaged in informing both governmental and non-governmental institutions in their continuous mission to safeguard these invaluable religious treasures.