Did Holy Relics of Lord Buddha from India Reach Hanoi?

Synopsis
The arrival of Lord Buddha's sacred relics from India to Hanoi has captivated over a million devotees. This event, enriched with rituals and prayers, beautifully showcases the enduring cultural ties between India and Vietnam.
Key Takeaways
- Relics of Lord Buddha from India are enshrined in Hanoi.
- Over one million devotees pay their respects.
- Event symbolizes the strong cultural ties between India and Vietnam.
- Relics will be displayed until May 16.
- Significant participation from both Indian and Vietnamese monks.
Hanoi, May 13 (NationPress) The holy relics of Lord Buddha from India were ceremoniously enshrined in the Quan Su Pagoda in Hanoi on Tuesday, with rituals and prayers led by monks from both India and Vietnam. These relics will be available for public viewing at the temple until May 16.
The Embassy of India in Hanoi shared on X, stating, "The Holy Buddha Relics from Sarnath, India, have arrived in Hanoi today and will be housed at the Quan Su Pagoda until May 16, 2025, accompanied by proper ceremonies and prayers from monks from both nations."
On Monday, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar conveyed his wishes on Vesak Day, also known as Buddha Purnima, emphasizing the cultural connections between India and Vietnam, where over one million individuals have gathered to pay homage to the sacred relics sent from India.
“On this Vesak Day, I am profoundly touched to see over one million people in Vietnam honoring and praying at the Buddhist Holy Relics that have journeyed from India. This truly reflects our enduring connection, shared culture, and exceptional ties,” remarked EAM Jaishankar.
The gesture of sending the holy relics to Vietnam has been praised by Vietnamese President Luong Cuong, who noted that it further reinforces the spiritual and cultural bonds between the two nations.
The holy relics were transported from India on May 2 by a delegation led by Union Minister of Parliamentary and Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, which also included Andhra Pradesh Minister Kandula Durgesh, along with senior monks and officials.
These relics will remain in Vietnam until May 21 as part of the celebrations for the UN Day of Vesak. They were previously displayed at Thanh Tam Pagoda in Tay Ninh and are now in Hanoi.
Recently, the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City participated in the enshrining ceremony of the Holy Relic of Lord Buddha at Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh province on May 8. The ceremony was attended by esteemed monks from India, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and other nations, along with local leadership from Tay Ninh.
“A significant number of devotees flocked to the venue to welcome the Holy Relic. This is a national heritage of India, and its presence in Vietnam for the UN Vesak Day celebrations exemplifies India's deep-rooted friendship and robust bilateral relations with Vietnam,” the Consulate General stated on X.