The Holy Relics of Lord Buddha, accompanied by Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju, arrived in Ho Chi Minh City on Friday onboard a special Indian aircraft. The high-level delegation also included Andhra Pradesh’s Minister of Tourism and Culture, Kandula Durgesh, revered monks, and senior Indian officials. The visit marks a significant spiritual and diplomatic gesture as Vietnam prepares to host the United Nations Day of Vesak celebrations from May 6–8, the Ministry of Minority Affairs said in a statement.
The Holy Relics were received with great reverence at the airport by Vietnam’s Minister of Religious and Ethnic Affairs, Dao Ngoc Dung; Standing Vice-Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, Duong Ngoc Hai; Supreme Patriarch of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, Thích Trí Quảng; and other venerable monks. A ceremonial prayer session took place upon arrival, followed by the enshrinement of the Relics at the Thanh Tam Monastery in Ho Chi Minh City.
The Holy Relics, which have been brought from the sacred site of Sarnath where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon, are being sent to Vietnam for the first time. Provided by the Mahabodhi Society of India and the National Museum under the Government of India with support from the International Buddha Confederation, these relics hold immense significance for the global Buddhist community. They will remain at the Thanh Tam Monastery from May 2–7, before being taken to Tay Ninh, Ha Noi, and Ha Nam provinces for public exposition until May 21.
In celebration of the UN Day of Vesak and the deep-rooted spiritual ties between India and Vietnam, a specially curated exhibition showcasing historical Buddhist linkages spanning over two millennia will be held at the Vietnam Buddhist University. Additionally, an Indian cultural troupe will perform a dance-drama titled “The Journey of Gautama Buddha” from 5–13 May across Ho Chi Minh City, Tay Ninh, Ha Noi, and other locations, portraying the life and teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha.
