Indian Ambassador: Bringing Buddha's relics to Vietnam demonstrates cultural connection between the two nations

Indian Ambassador to Vietnam Sandeep Arya expressed his emotion when witnessing tens of thousands of people and Buddhists lining up to pay homage to the Buddha's relics - India's national treasure brought to Vietnam on the occasion of the 2025 United Nations Day of Vesak.

Sharing with reporters of VietnamPlus Electronic Newspaper on the afternoon of May 15, the Ambassador said that people's respect for Buddha's relics shows the similarities and deep sympathy between the Vietnamese and Indian peoples in terms of religion, beliefs, and culture.

The mystery of the origin of Buddha's relics

According to Ambassador Sandeep Arya, the Buddha's relics are kept at the Mūlagandhakuti Vihāra Monastery at Ishipatana Migadaya Holy Land, Sarnath, India. This is an eternally sacred place for Buddhists, where the Buddha delivered his first sermon, marking the beginning of the development of Buddhism in India.

Mūlagandhakuti Vihāra at Ishipatana Migadaya Sanctuary, Sarnath, India. (Photo: Expedia)

Every year, Mūlagandhakuti Vihāra celebrates its founding anniversary in the month of November. On this occasion, the monastery opens its doors to the public to view the relics. Thousands of people from different countries flock to Sarnath. As a result, the monastery has become a gathering place for all peace-loving people in the world .

The relics, housed in a silver casket, were found in 1929 by Mr. A.H. Longhurst, former Director of the Archaeological Survey of the Southern Archaeological Region, in a large Stupa at Nagarjunakonda in Palnad Taluk in the Guntur District of the Governorate of Madras. The present casket is a replica of the original, which was found in a broken condition. Through inscriptions on the stupa where the relics were found and scientific evaluation, experts have identified them as Buddha's relics.

Vietnam and India have a traditional and close friendship, which was nurtured by President Ho Chi Minh and previous Indian leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and generations of leaders and people of the two countries. The two countries have a comprehensive strategic partnership, closely cooperating in many fields. That is the foundation for people-to-people exchange, cultural exchange and political trust.

Sacred relics of Buddha. (Photo: Embassy)

After many exchanges between the two governments, the relics of Buddha Shakyamuni were brought to Vietnam by special plane on the occasion of Vietnam hosting the United Nations Vesak Festival 2025.

From May 2 to May 20, the relics will be enshrined at Thanh Tam Pagoda, located in the area of ​​the Vietnam Buddhist Academy, Le Minh Xuan campus, Ho Chi Minh City; Ba Den Mountain National Tourist Area, Tay Ninh Province; Quan Su Pagoda, Hanoi and Tam Chuc Pagoda, Ha Nam Province. At around 12 noon on May 20, the Buddha's relics will be escorted back to India.

As a national treasure, the journey to bring the Buddha's relics to Vietnam is considered a state visit. The delegation accompanying the Buddha's relics includes Mr. Kiren Rijiju - Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minorities of India; Mr. Kandula Durgesh - Minister of Tourism and Culture of Andhra Pradesh state, eminent monks and high-ranking officials of India.

“The invitation to the relics was led by the Mahabodhi Society of India and the National Museum of the Government of India, with the support of the International Buddhist Alliance. The relics hold special sacred significance for the Buddhist community worldwide and this is the first time that the Buddha’s relics have been brought to Vietnam. The Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, with close coordination from the Government of Vietnam, has actively supported the work related to the Buddha’s relics in Vietnam according to the agreement between the two countries,” said the Ambassador.

Buddha's relics were brought from Noi Bai Airport to Quan Su Pagoda. (Photo: Hoai Nam/Vietnam+)

According to preliminary statistics, about 1.8 million people came to worship the relics in Ho Chi Minh City, and 125,000 people in Tay Ninh.

The Ambassador expressed his joy and emotion when many high-ranking leaders of Vietnam such as President Luong Cuong and Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha came to pay homage to the relics.

“I was really touched to see people lining up to pay homage to the relics despite the hot weather. Many individuals and organizations also volunteered to serve free food and drinks to the people. It was a beautiful gesture,” the Ambassador expressed.

Mr. Sandeep Arya said that the arrival of the relics in Vietnam demonstrates the spiritual, religious and cultural connection between the two peoples as well as the shared vision on the issues facing the two countries and the world. That is the importance of tolerance, compassion and peace. These messages were conveyed throughout the recent United Nations Day of Vesak.

The Ambassador added that the Indian side was satisfied with the organization of Vietnam in the past days. Despite the large number of pilgrims, the solemnity, security and order were maintained very well.

Strengthening Vietnam-India cultural exchange

This year, the Indian Embassy also organized many cultural events to strengthen friendship with Vietnam.

Within the framework of the recent Vesak Festival, a thematic exhibition on the historical connection in Buddhist beliefs, arts and culture spanning over two thousand years was held at the Vietnam Buddhist Academy in Ho Chi Minh City. A special dance drama program “The Journey of Gautama Buddha” recreating the life and message of Buddha Shakyamuni also took place in Ho Chi Minh City, Tay Ninh, Hanoi and other localities.

The dance drama recreates the journey of enlightenment of Buddha Shakyamuni. (Photo: Embassy)

This year, India will continue its heritage conservation project in Vietnam, specifically the restoration of Dong Duong Buddhist Monastery in Quang Nam province and the project to restore towers E and F in the My Son World Cultural Heritage complex, phase 2025-2029.

Previously, Indian experts had helped to completely restore and embellish tower groups A, K, H from 2017-2022. The units participating in the project have reinforced and restored the original appearance as when the French discovered it, which has been highly appreciated by domestic and international experts and tourists.

Earlier this year, the Indian Film Festival was well received by the Vietnamese people. The festival event is not only an opportunity for Vietnamese audiences to enjoy famous Indian films and experience unique cultural values, but also contributes to fostering the strong friendship and cultural connection between the two countries. In addition, the co-production film between Vietnam and India called “Love in Vietnam” which started filming in September 2024 in Da Lat is currently in the final stage of production and is expected to be released in mid-2025.

Indian Ambassador to Vietnam Sandeep Arya answers questions from the press. (Photo: Minh Thu/Vietnam+)

Following the success of the previous 10 events, the 11th International Yoga Day 2025 will take place in many localities from May 16 to July 2025.

“India values ​​the strong ties between the people of India and the people of Vietnam and hopes that the procession of the Buddha’s relics to Vietnam and cultural exchange activities will contribute to deepening the relationship between the two countries,” the Ambassador shared./.

(Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/dai-su-an-do-viec-ruoc-xa-loi-duc-phat-toi-viet-nam-the-hien-su-lien-ket-van-hoa-giua-hai-dan-toc-post1038729.vnp