Date: 2025-05-02Category: Not ApplicableState: Union GovernmentCountry: India
Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha, accompanied by Indian Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, Andhra Pradesh Minister Kandula Durgesh, monks, and officials, arrived in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
The policy text describes a significant cultural exchange event involving Indian and Vietnamese governments focusing on the celebration of Vesak Day and Lord Buddha's teachings. It involves the transportation of sacred relics from India, including a Bodhi tree sapling, to Vietnam for a joint exhibition marking the 68th United Nations Day of Vesak celebrations.
Key Points:
1. **Cultural Exchange:** The ceremony includes the arrival of Holy Relics of Lord Buddha in Ho Chi Minh City by an Indian delegation led by Ministry representatives and accompanied by monks and officials.
2. **Vietnamese Reception:** Greetings from the Vietnamese Government and the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha signify a shared spiritual value, symbolizing enduring cultural ties between India and Vietnam.
3. **Eshrinement Activities:** The Holy Relics are enshrined at Thanh Tam Monastery after ceremonial prayers.
4. **Symbolic Planting:** A Bodhi tree sapling from India is planted as a gesture of peace and friendship at the Vietnam Buddhist University.
5. **Exhibition and Programs:** The relics will be displayed in Ho Chi Minh City followed by Tay Ninh, Hanoi, and Ha Nam cities until May 21st.
6. **Cultural Events:** Accompanying cultural programs include an exhibition on Lord Buddha's life and a specific dancedrama to highlight India-Vietnamese Buddhist heritage.
The essence of the policy text is to showcase mutual respect and celebration of spiritual heritage between two countries, utilizing this cultural exchange as a means for people-to-people connections.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Culture Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha: Source organization related to handling Lord Buddha's sacred relics
Indian Union Minister Kiren Rijiju: Involvement of an Indian political figure in the event
Andhra Pradesh Minister Kandula Durgesh: Another prominent official from Andhra Pradesh, India
Vietnam Union Minister (unnamed): Refers to Vietnamese officials involved in receiving the delegation
Shri Narendra Modi: Indian Prime Minister communicating a message through another official
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: Destination city for Lord Buddha's sacred relics
Vietnam Buddhist University: Institution where a Sacred Bodhi tree sapling from India was planted
Thanh Tam Monastery: Location at which the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha were enshrined
Sarnath, India: Source location of the sacred relics before their journey to Vietnam
International Buddha Confederation: Involvement in supporting exhibitions and events in Vietnam
National Museum of India: Participation in event logistics alongside other organizations from India
United Nations Day of Vesak (year 2025): International observance commemorated with these events
Ministry of Culture
Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha, accompanied by
Indian Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, Andhra Pradesh
Minister Kandula Durgesh, monks, and officials,
arrived in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Union Minister conveyed a meaningful message on
behalf of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the
people of India
A Sacred Bodhi tree sapling from India was planted
by the Union Minister at the Vietnam Buddhist
University
Relics were enshrined at Thanh Tam Monastery
following ceremonial prayers
Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 5:57PM by PIB Delhi
In a significant cultural and spiritual milestone, the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha arrived in Ho Chi Minh City
today aboard a special aircraft from India, marking the beginning of the United Nations Day of Vesak
celebrations in Vietnam from May 6–8, 2025.The Indian delegation, led by Union Minister Shri Kiren Rijiju and Andhra Pradesh Minister Shri
Kandula Durgesh, was joined by monks and senior officials in accompanying the Sacred Relics
from Sarnath, India. Upon arrival, they were warmly received by the Government of Vietnam and
the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, reflecting the profound and shared spiritual values that unite both
nations.
Following ceremonial prayers, the Holy Relics were reverently enshrined at Thanh Tam Monastery.
In a symbolic gesture of peace and friendship, a Sacred Bodhi Tree sapling from India was also
planted at the Vietnam Buddhist University. A joint press conference was held by the Indian
delegation and leaders of the Vietnamese Sangha, where Minister Shri Kiren Rijiju conveyed a
heartfelt message from Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the people of India. The
Government of Vietnam expressed its sincere gratitude for this sacred gesture, which stands as a
symbol of the enduring civilizational and spiritual ties between the two countries.The Holy Relics are being exhibited with the support of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India,
the National Museum of India, and the International Buddha Confederation. They will be displayed
to the public in Ho Chi Minh City until May 7, 2025, before continuing to Tay Ninh, Hanoi, and Ha
Nam until May 21, 2025.A grand public procession brought the Sacred Relics to Thanh Tam Pagoda, where they will remain
on public exposition. Cultural programs, including a specially curated exhibition and a dance-drama
on the life of Lord Buddha, will accompany the celebrations, underscoring the deep-rooted India-
Vietnam Buddhist heritage.The Sacred Relics will be in Vietnam from May 2 to May 21, 2025, as part of the Vesak Day
commemorations, strengthening people-to-people connections and honoring Lord Buddha’s
message of peace, compassion, and harmony.
***
Sunil Kumar Tiwari
pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com
(Release ID: 2126226)