**Summary:**
The sacred relics of Lord Buddha are scheduled to return to India on June 2, 2025, via Indian Air Force aircraft, after a month-long exposition in Vietnam. The exposition, initially planned to end on May 21st, was extended to June 2nd at the request of the Vietnamese government due to significant public interest, attracting over 15 million devotees across nine cities. Upon arrival in Delhi, the relics will be placed on public display at the National Museum on June 3rd, followed by a prayer meeting. On June 4th, the relics will be transported to Sarnath, near Varanasi, for permanent enshrining at Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, concluding the international pilgrimage.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Culture: The Indian government ministry responsible for the return of the Buddha's relics.
Sacred Relics of the Buddha: The specific relics of Lord Buddha that are the subject of the pilgrimage and return to India.
India: The destination country for the return of the relics.
Vietnam: The country where the relics were exhibited before returning to India.
30 MAY 2025: Date of the press release regarding the return of the relics.
PIB Delhi: Press Information Bureau, Delhi - the source of the press release.
Lord Buddha: The religious figure whose relics are being returned.
2 June 2025: The date of the relics' return to India.
Indian Air Force: The mode of transportation for the relics' return to India.
Delhi: The city in India where the relics will arrive.
Government of India: The governing body sending a delegation to escort the relics.
Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati: The Governor of Odisha, leading the Government of India Delegation.
Governor of Odisha: The role held by Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati.
International Buddhist Confederation IBC: An organization involved in receiving the relics.
Palam Air Force Station: The location where the relics will be received in Delhi.
Government of Vietnam: The government that requested an extension of the exposition.
National Museum: The location in Delhi where the Holy Relics will be placed on public exposition.
3 June: The date when the Holy Relics will be placed on public exposition at the National Museum
Secretary General of the International Buddhist Confederation: An individual who will be participating in a formal prayer meeting.
4th June: The date when the relics will depart Delhi.
Sarnath: The final destination of the relics.
Varanasi: A city on the route to Sarnath.
Mulagandha Kuti Vihar: The location in Sarnath where the relics will be enshrined.
Sunil Kumar Tiwari: Contact person for the press release.
2132800: Release ID
Ministry of Culture
Sacred Relics of the Buddha Return to India After
Historic Pilgrimage Across Vietnam
Over 15 million Devotees Pay Homage in Vietnam as
Buddha’s Holy Relics Return to Delhi
Posted On: 30 MAY 2025 5:43PM by PIB Delhi
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The revered Holy Relics of Lord Buddha will return to India on Monday, 2 June 2025, by Indian Air Force
aircraft, after an overwhelming spiritual response during their month-long exposition tour across Vietnam.
Arriving at Delhi around 10:00 PM. The relics escorted by the Government of India Delegation led by Dr Hari
Babu Kambhampati, Governor of Odisha, will be ceremoniously received at the Palam Air Force Station by
the officials of International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) along with senior Indian monks.
st nd
Originally scheduled to conclude on 21 May, the exposition was extended until 2 June upon special
request by the Government of Vietnam due to the spiritually charged atmosphere and growing public
reverence. During the extended tour, the sacred relics visited nine cities, drawing over 15 million devotees
who gathered to seek the blessings of the Buddha.
Following their arrival in Delhi, the Holy Relics will be placed on public exposition at the National Museum
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for a day from the morning of Tuesday, 3 June. A formal prayer meeting will be held in the afternoon by
senior monks, the Secretary General of the International Buddhist Confederation, and representatives of the
diplomatic corps.
On Wednesday, 4th June, the relics will depart Delhi in a Presidential cavalcade with full protocol reserved
for Heads of State. They will be escorted to Sarnath via Varanasi, where they will be ceremonially enshrined
at Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, concluding a historic international pilgrimage that reinforced the timeless message
of peace and compassion embodied by the Buddha.
****
Sunil Kumar Tiwari
pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com
(Release ID: 2132800)