Today, the most sacred Holy Buddha Relics, along with those of his two main disciples, Arahant Sariputta and Maha Moggallana, will return to India from Thailand after a month-long journey. The relics’ exposition in Thailand drew over four million devotees and will be received in India with full State honours, according to the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC).
The relics will arrive at Air Force Station Palam, Technical Area, on March 19, where Minister of State for External Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi will receive them in a humble ceremony. A delegation led by Tashi Gyalson, Chairman LAHDC, and monks from the Theravada and Mahayana traditions will accompany the relics on their return journey.
The exposition in Thailand received a tremendous response, with devotees queuing up with offerings from the early hours of the day as the Holy Relics procession passed through various cities. The event, titled ‘Shared Heritage, Shared Values’, was organized by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in collaboration with the IBC and traveled to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Ubon Ratchathani, and Krabi provinces.
The relics’ inauguration in Thailand took place at the central exhibition park of the city and was attended by Vajiralongkorn, the King of Thailand, and his Queen. The exposition also marked the commemoration of the King’s 72nd birthday, which falls on July 28.
The relics arrived in Bangkok on February 22, accompanied by an official delegation led by Bihar Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Virendra Kumar. Monks from India and academicians from different Indian universities attended the relics at each location, discussing the relevance of the relics and related issues connected with Buddhism, as per the IBC release.