Holy Relics of Lord Buddha Presented by Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Officials

Holy Relics of Lord Buddha have arrived in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, as part of the United Nations Day of Vesak celebrations scheduled from May 6 to May 8, 2025. Accompanied by Indian officials, including Union Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju and Andhra Pradesh’s Minister of Tourism and Culture Kandula Durgesh, the relics were received with great reverence. This significant event marks the first visit of the Holy Relics to Vietnam, highlighting the deep cultural ties between India and Vietnam.

Arrival and Reception of the Holy Relics

The Holy Relics were brought to Vietnam by a special Indian aircraft and received at the airport by prominent Vietnamese officials. Dao Ngoc Dung, the Minister of Religious and Ethnic Affairs, and Duong Ngoc Hai, the Standing Vice-Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, were among those present to welcome the relics. The Supreme Patriarch of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, Thích Trí Quảng, along with other revered monks, participated in the ceremonial prayers held upon arrival. Following the prayers, the Holy Relics were enshrined at Thanh Tam Monastery, where a sapling of the Sacred Bodhi tree, brought from India, was planted by the visiting Indian Minister and the Supreme Patriarch. The relics will remain at the monastery until May 7, 2025, before continuing their journey to Tay Ninh, Ha Noi, and Ha Nam provinces until May 21, 2025.

Significance of the Holy Relics

The Holy Relics of Lord Buddha, which originated from Sarnath, the site of Buddha’s first sermon, hold immense significance for the global Buddhist community. They have been provided through the Mahabodhi Society of India and the National Museum of the Government of India, with support from the International Buddha Confederation. This visit marks the first time the relics have traveled to Vietnam, emphasizing the mutual respect and cooperation between the two nations. The Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, in collaboration with the Vietnamese government, has extended local support for the relics, showcasing the strong cultural and spiritual connections shared by India and Vietnam.

Cultural Events and Exhibitions

In conjunction with the UN Day of Vesak celebrations, a specially curated exhibition will be held at the Vietnam Buddhist University in Ho Chi Minh City. This exhibition will explore the historical linkages between Buddhist spiritual beliefs and the arts and culture that date back approximately two millennia. Additionally, an Indian cultural group will perform a dance-drama titled “The Journey of Gautama Buddha,” which narrates the life and teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha. This performance will take place in various locations, including Ho Chi Minh City, Tay Ninh, and Ha Noi, from May 5 to May 13, 2025, further enriching the cultural exchange between the two countries.

Strengthening Ties Between India and Vietnam

India values its strong relationship with Vietnam, and the visit of the Holy Relics is seen as a significant step in deepening these ties. The events surrounding the UN Day of Vesak not only celebrate Buddhist heritage but also foster goodwill and understanding between the two nations. Through shared cultural and spiritual experiences, both countries aim to strengthen their bonds and promote peace and harmony in the region. The visit of the Holy Relics serves as a reminder of the enduring connections that exist between India and Vietnam, rooted in shared history and mutual respect.

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