In a significant display of spiritual unity, the sacred Buddha Relic from Sarnath arrived in Vietnam on Friday for a public exposition, coinciding with the United Nations Day of Vesak 2025. The relic, accompanied by a distinguished Indian delegation led by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, was received with great reverence at the Vietnam Buddhist University.
Ceremonial Arrival and Procession
The relic was honored in a solemn ceremony at the university, after which it was taken in a grand procession to Thanh Tam Pagoda for public veneration. The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) shared the event’s details on X, saying, “The Holy Buddha Relic from India arrived in Vietnam, was taken to the Buddha Hall at the Vietnam Buddhist University for a sacred ceremony and then brought through a grand procession to Thanh Tam Pagoda, where the Public Exposition of the Sacred Relic will take place.”
The Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City also shared the news, stating, “The sacred Buddha’s relics from India have arrived in Vietnam, were brought to the Vietnam Buddhist Academy for a solemn ceremony, then carried through a solemn parade to Thanh Tam Pagoda, where the revered relics will be displayed for the public.”
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju’s Statement
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju expressed his deep gratitude for leading the delegation that brought the relic to Vietnam. He described the experience as a deeply moving one. “Humbled to lead the delegation carrying the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha to Vietnam, an experience that touches the soul,” Rijiju shared on X. He also noted that the relics would remain in Vietnam until May 21 as part of the UN’s Vesak Day celebrations. He was accompanied by revered monks, Shri Kandula Durgesh Ji, Minister for Tourism, Culture & Cinematography of Andhra Pradesh, and other officials on this sacred journey of peace, compassion, and harmony.
A Relic with Ancient Significance
The Holy Relic, enshrined in Mulagandha Kuti Vihara in Sarnath, was excavated in Nagarjuna Konda, Andhra Pradesh. It is believed to be over 1,800 years old, dating back to before 246 CE.
Vietnam’s Connection to the Relic
Abhijit Halder, Director General of the IBC, emphasized the importance of this event for Vietnam, which has a large Buddhist population. He stated, “For them, the relics are not just symbols but the Buddha himself.” He also highlighted the event’s significance, as it coincides with Vietnam’s National Day and Wesak Day celebrations. Halder added, “Very few people realize that Buddhist artifacts from India, dating back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, have counterparts in Vietnam. We are also organizing a comparative exhibition to showcase these shared histories.”
Expected Devotion and Exhibition Schedule
The exhibition is expected to draw over three million devotees, who will pay homage to the relics during the 20-day display in Vietnam. The relics will first be displayed in Ho Chi Minh City from May 2 to 8, then travel to three other locations until May 21.
