The Ministry of Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs' Union Minister Shri Kiren Rijiju embarked on an official visit to Vietnam on May 2nd, 2025. Accompanied by India's Minister of Tourism and Culture, Shri Kandula Durgesh, revered monks, and senior officials, this visit coincided with UN Day of Vesak celebrations being hosted in Vietnam. The highlight was the transportation of Holy Relics of Lord Buddha from Sarnath, where Lord Buddha first preached, via Mahabodhi Society of India, National Museum of the Government of India, and support from International Buddha Confederation.
Upon arrival, ceremonial prayers took place at Ho Chi Minh City's airport followed by a enshrinement ceremony at Thanh Tam Monastery. A Sacred Bodhi tree sapling was planted in Vietnam as an indication of cultural tie and friendship between India and Vietnam. The Holy Relics were then hosted consecutively at various Vietnamese provinces: Thanh Tam Monastery, Tay Ninh, Ha Noi, and Ha Nam until May 21st, showcasing the historical and spiritual significance dating back about two millennia.
Additionally, an Indian cultural group performed a special dancedrama, "The Journey of Gautama Buddha" across multiple cities in Vietnam to represent Buddha's life and messages. This event marked the debut visit for Holy Relics of Lord Buddha from India to Vietnam, with the Ministry stating that these activities would further strengthen the ties between the two countries.
This policy text is a clear account of international cultural exchange and religious diplomacy highlighting the connection and friendship between India and Vietnam on both governmental and spiritual platforms.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Minority Affairs: Government department responsible for matters related to minority affairs.
Shri Kiren Rijiju: Union Minister of Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs in India.
Minister of Tourism and Culture, Andhra Pradesh: Government official responsible for tourism and cultural affairs in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India.
Dao Ngoc Dung: Vietnamese official from the Ministry of Religious and Ethnic Affairs.
Duong Ngoc Hai: Vice Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee.
Thch Tr Qung: Supreme Patriarch of Vietnamese Buddhist Sangha.
Thanh Tam Monastery: A Buddhist monastery in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam where the Holy Relics were enshrined.
Buddhist University, Ho Chi Minh City: Institution for higher education in Ho Chi Minh City, involving Buddhist studies and possibly hosting an exhibition.
Sarnath: Location of the first sermon by Lord Buddha, a Sacred site involved in the procession of Holy Relics from India to Vietnam.
Mahabodhi Society of India: Indian organization that provides support for events involving Buddhist holy relics.
National Museum of the Government of India: Government museum in India that might have collaborated on the transportation or display of Holy Relics, with international institutions like the International Buddha Confederation supporting this effort.
UN Day of Vesak: International observance commemorating the Buddha's birthday and teachings, hosted by Vietnam to which the Holy Relics were enshrined.
Ministry of Minority Affairs
Holy Relics of Lord Buddha accompanied by Minority
Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Shri Kiren
Rijiju arrives in Vietnam
Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 2:50PM by PIB Delhi
Holy Relics of Lord Buddha, accompanied by Union Minister of Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs
Shri Kiren Rijiju, Minister of Tourism and Culture of Andhra Pradesh Shri Kandula Durgesh, revered monks
and senior officials from India arrived in Ho Chi Minh City today morning by a special Indian aircraft. The
visit is taking place in the context of the United Nations (UN) Day of Vesak celebrations being hosted by
Vietnam from 6-8 May 2025.
The Holy Relics and the Minister were received by Dao Ngoc Dung, Minister of Religious and Ethnic Affairs
of Vietnam, Duong Ngoc Hai, Standing Vice-Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, Supreme
Patriarch of Vietnam Buddhist Sangha Thích Trí Quảng and venerable monks of Vietnam Buddhist Sangha.
Special ceremonial prayers were held at the airport on arrival followed by prayers led by the Supreme
Patriarch of Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and the enshrinement of the Holy Relics at Thanh Tam Monastery, Ho
Chi Minh City. On the occasion, a sapling of the Sacred Bodhi tree brought from India was planted by the
visiting Minister from India and the Supreme Patriarch of Vietnam Buddhist Sangha at the Buddhist
University, Ho Chi Minh City. The Holy Relics will be at the Thanh Tam Monastery from 2-7 May 2025
followed by their exposition at Tay Ninh, Ha Noi and Ha Nam provinces till 21 May 2025.The Holy Relics of Lord Buddha have travelled from the Sacred site of Sarnath, the venue of the first sermon
by Lord Buddha. The Relics have been provided through the Mahabodhi Society of India and the National
Museum of the Government of India with the support of the International Buddha Confederation. The Holy
Relics hold special significance for the Buddhist Community around the world and are visiting Vietnam for
the first time. The Vietnam Buddhist Sangha with the kind cooperation of the Government of Vietnam have
extended local support for the Holy Relics in Vietnam as per mutual arrangements between the two countries.
In the context of the UN Day of Vesak and deep connections between India and Vietnam, a specially curated
exhibition about historical linkage relating to Buddhist spiritual beliefs and arts and culture dating back about
two millennia will also be displayed during the UN Day of Vesak at Vietnam Buddhist University, Ho Chi
Minh City. Further, an Indian cultural group will travel from India to present a special dance-drama “The
Journey of Gautama Buddha” representing the life and messages of Shakyamuni Buddha in Ho Chi Minh
City, Tay Ninh, Ha Noi and other locations between 5-13 May 2025.
India treasures the strong bonds between the people of India and Vietnam and wish that the visit of Holy
Relics to Vietnam and other related activities will further deepen these close ties between India and Vietnam.
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SS/ISA
(Release ID: 2126109)