From early morning, a long stream of people poured into the pagoda through Tran Van Giau, Le Dinh Chi, Le Chinh Dang streets… creating a bustling yet solemn scene. Many people accepted to walk many kilometers to see the relics with their own eyes, showing their deep respect for the Buddha.
Close-up of Buddha's relics being brought to Thanh Tam Pagoda for enshrinement.
According to the Organizing Committee, the Buddha's relics are kept at the Mūlagandhakuti Vihāra Monastery, in the holy land of Sarnath, India - where the Buddha gave his first sermon. These are the body relics (Shariradhātu), including the remaining parts after the cremation of the body of Buddha Shakyamuni, considered the most sacred relic for millions of Buddhists worldwide.
Buddha relic worship area.
This is the first time the Buddha's relics have been invited to Vietnam. The procession was organized by the Mahabodhi Society of India, the National Museum of India and the International Buddhist Alliance, with the coordination of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha. On May 2, the relics were brought by an Indian military plane to Ho Chi Minh City and enshrined at Thanh Tam Pagoda for monks, nuns and Buddhists to pay homage from May 3 to noon on May 8. After that, the relics will continue to be enshrined in Tay Ninh, Hanoi and Ha Nam until May 21.
Many people come to worship Buddha's relics.
The Organizing Committee said that the worshiping activities take place from 6am to 10pm every day, without collecting or accepting any fees from anyone who comes to worship. Wreaths, gifts, offerings are not accepted, and no offering rituals are performed at the place of worship. Everyone who comes to worship must follow the instructions of the Organizing Committee, line up in order, move in line, keep quiet, do not take photos, film, avoid jostling or standing too long.
Children under 2 years old, people who are not in good health, or those wearing inappropriate clothing will not be admitted to the place where the Buddha's relics are enshrined. Do not bring handbags, backpacks, or bulky items. Do not bring weapons, flammable or explosive substances, smoking utensils, or superstitious items... to ensure safety and solemnity of the place of enshrinement.
Monks and nuns line up to worship Buddha's relics.
The event not only has profound religious significance but is also a vivid symbol of the friendly relationship between Vietnam and India, while affirming Vietnam's position in the international Buddhist community.
Buddhists line up to worship Buddha's relics.
According to the Organizing Committee, the campus of the Vietnam Buddhist Academy - the venue for the ceremony - can accommodate 30,000 people at the same time. Currently, there are 600 volunteers participating in the Vesak 2025 ceremony. It is expected to serve 100,000 vegetarian meals per day for Buddhists and visitors.
The 2025 United Nations Day of Vesak opened at the Vietnam Buddhist Academy on the morning of May 6. A series of cultural and artistic events, seminars, etc. related to the event will be held from now until May 8 (the closing day).
Source: https://cand.com.vn/Chuyen-dong-van-hoa/hang-ngan-nguoi-den-chiem-bai-xa-loi-duc-phat-tai-dai-le-vesak-2025-i767152/
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