MAY 02: In a momentous occasion celebrating spiritual and cultural unity, the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha arrived in Vietnam today, accompanied by Union Minister of Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju. The delegation also included Andhra Pradesh’s Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri Kandula Durgesh, senior Indian officials, and revered Buddhist monks.
The Holy Relics were transported via a special aircraft from India to Ho Chi Minh City, ahead of the United Nations Day of Vesak, being observed in Vietnam from May 6 to 8, 2025. This marks the first-ever visit of the revered relics to Vietnam, carrying profound significance for the global Buddhist community.
Upon arrival, the Indian delegation and the Holy Relics were ceremonially received by Vietnam’s Minister of Religious and Ethnic Affairs, Mr. Dao Ngoc Dung; Mr. Duong Ngoc Hai, Vice-Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee; and Supreme Patriarch of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, Thích Trí Quảng, along with senior monks. Special prayers were held at the airport, followed by the formal enshrinement of the relics at the Thanh Tam Monastery in Ho Chi Minh City.
In a symbolic gesture of shared heritage, a Sacred Bodhi Tree sapling from India was planted at the Vietnam Buddhist University by Minister Rijiju and the Supreme Patriarch. The relics will be on display at the Thanh Tam Monastery until May 7, and will then travel to Tay Ninh, Hanoi, and Ha Nam provinces, remaining in Vietnam until May 21.
The Holy Relics originate from Sarnath, the sacred site where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. Their journey is facilitated by the Mahabodhi Society of India, the National Museum, and the International Buddha Confederation, with full support from the Government of Vietnam.
To complement the visit, a special exhibition on Indo-Vietnam Buddhist heritage will be showcased, highlighting cultural and spiritual connections spanning 2,000 years. Additionally, a cultural troupe from India will present a dance-drama, “The Journey of Gautama Buddha”, across multiple Vietnamese cities from May 5 to 13.
This historic event is set to deepen India-Vietnam cultural and spiritual ties, reinforcing mutual respect and cooperation between the two nations.