Buddha's Sacred Relic Embarks on Historic Journey to Vietnam
In a momentous act of spiritual diplomacy, a sacred relic of Buddha from Sarnath, India, has arrived in Vietnam, marking its inaugural journey to the Southeast Asian nation. Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs, Kiran Rijiju, led the Indian delegation accompanying this revered relic, which is now enshrined at the Buddha Hall of the Vietnam Buddhist University.
This significant exposition coincides with the celebrations of the United Nations Day of Vesak, running from today until May 21. Organized by India's Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation, the event emphasizes the profound cultural and spiritual ties between India and Vietnam. Over the next 20 days, millions of devotees are expected to visit and pay homage to the relic, reflecting deep reverence and connection among Buddhist communities.
The relic, carefully transported from Varanasi, India, to the National Museum in New Delhi on April 30, is now protected within a secure enclosure. It will be accessible for meditation and veneration by Buddhist followers, including diplomats from various Buddhist-majority nations. The occasion is particularly special as it coincides with the United Nations Day of Vesak celebrations in Ho Chi Minh City, where approximately 40,000 participants from around 100 countries, including numerous Buddhist monks and practitioners, are expected to gather.
This initiative is part of India's ongoing efforts to strengthen cultural and spiritual relationships with Buddhist-majority countries. Previous exhibitions of sacred Buddha relics have taken place in Thailand in 2024 and Mongolia in 2022, showcasing India’s commitment to fostering a sense of unity and shared heritage with the global Buddhist community.
As the exhibition unfolds, it will also feature three exhibitions organized by the International Buddhist Confederation, showcasing Jataka tales, Buddhist sculptures, and comparative studies of Indian and Vietnamese artifacts. This initiative not only highlights the significance of the relic but also aims to deepen the understanding and appreciation of Buddhist culture across borders.
With this sacred relic's journey, India reaffirms its role as a central figure in promoting peace, harmony, and cultural exchange in the Buddhist world, further solidifying its spiritual legacy on the global stage.
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