The Ministry of Culture has included two distinctive artefacts from Sikkim in the 8th edition of the PM Mementos e-auction scheme. The auction, which runs until 31 October 2026, aims to connect Indian citizens with the country’s cultural heritage while raising funds for the Namami Gange Project, a government initiative focused on cleaning and protecting the Gange river.
Key facts
- 8th edition of PM Mementos currently live and extended until 31 October 2026
- Two Sikkimese artefacts featured: a brass sculpture of Lord Buddha and a Tibetan Buddhist prayer wheel
- Buddha sculpture was a gift to Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the Governor of Sikkim
- Prayer wheel is embossed with the “Om Mani Padme Hum” mantra
- All auction proceeds support the Namami Gange Project
- Bidding is conducted online through https://pmmementos.gov.in
What are these artefacts?
The brass sculpture of Lord Buddha represents the region’s deep Buddhist spiritual traditions. As a state where Buddhism holds significant cultural and religious importance, Sikkim’s artistic heritage reflects centuries of influence from Tibetan and Himalayan spiritual practices.
The second piece is a Mani Khorlo, or Tibetan Buddhist tabletop prayer wheel. This artefact is inscribed with the sacred mantra “Om Mani Padme Hum,” one of the most important mantras in Tibetan Buddhism. Such prayer wheels are traditionally used in Buddhist practice and represent spiritual contemplation and devotion.
How does PM Mementos work?
PM Mementos is an e-auction platform where citizens, collectors and art enthusiasts can bid for cultural artefacts and mementos. These items are typically gifts that have been presented to the Prime Minister or other dignitaries during official exchanges and ceremonies. By auctioning these pieces, the scheme achieves two goals: it makes India’s cultural heritage accessible to ordinary citizens and collectors, and it generates funds for a national cause.
In this edition, the inclusion of Sikkimese artefacts brings the northeastern state’s artistic and spiritual traditions to a national audience. Objects that were part of formal diplomatic or ceremonial exchanges now have an opportunity to be owned and preserved by citizens across the country.
About the Namami Gange Project
The Namami Gange Project is a government flagship initiative dedicated to rejuvenating the Gange river. The project focuses on pollution reduction, biodiversity conservation, and improving water quality. Funds raised through various means, including the PM Mementos auction, are channelled towards this environmental goal.
How to participate in the auction
Citizens interested in bidding for these Sikkimese artefacts or other mementos can visit the official e-auction portal at https://pmmementos.gov.in. The platform allows online bidding, making it accessible to participants across India. The auction for the 8th edition remains open until 31 October 2026, giving interested bidders time to place their bids.
What this means for you
If you are a collector or art enthusiast, this auction offers a chance to acquire authentic cultural artefacts with documented provenance. For those interested in Sikkim’s heritage, this platform brings attention to the state’s unique artistic traditions and makes these pieces available beyond museum or government collections.
More broadly, participating in this auction allows citizens to contribute to the Namami Gange Project while acquiring a piece of India’s diverse cultural landscape. The initiative demonstrates how heritage preservation and environmental conservation can be linked through public participation.