Why Are Devotees Flocking to Hanoi to Pay Tribute to Buddha Relics from India?
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Synopsis
A historic gathering in Hanoi as thousands pay homage to the revered Holy Buddhist Relics from India at Quan Su Pagoda. Experience the fervor and emotions as devotees unite in prayer and celebration, honoring the deep cultural ties between India and Vietnam.
Key Takeaways
- The event drew over 500,000 participants in Hanoi.
- The Holy Relics from India symbolize deep cultural ties.
- Vesak Day celebrations highlight shared spiritual heritage.
- The relics will be displayed until May 21 as part of UN celebrations.
- Attendees included esteemed monks and government officials.
Hanoi, May 14 (NationPress) The atmosphere in Vietnam's Hanoi transformed into a sea of devotion as a massive crowd gathered from all corners of the country outside the Quan Su Pagoda on Wednesday to pay their respects to the Holy Buddhist Relics sent from India.
"The celebratory spirit and enthusiasm in the air is something that the people of Hanoi have not experienced in years, as the crowd chanted — 'the Buddha has arrived,'" remarked the International Buddhist Confederation.
Approximately 500,000 individuals lined the streets to welcome the sacred relics as they made their entrance into the Vietnamese capital on Tuesday. Emotions ran high, with many in tears and praying, while others joyfully chanted.
The sacred relics of Lord Buddha from India were ceremonially enshrined at the Quan Su Pagoda in Hanoi on Tuesday, with rituals and prayers conducted by monks from both India and Vietnam. The relics are set to be displayed at the temple until May 16.
"Holy Buddha Relics from Sarnath, India, have been enshrined at Quan Su Pagoda until May 16, 2025, with appropriate ceremonies and prayers led by monks from India and Vietnam," the Embassy of India in Hanoi shared on X.
On Monday, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar extended greetings on Vesak Day, also known as Buddha Purnima, emphasizing the cultural bonds shared with Vietnam, where more than one million people prayed at the sacred relics sent from India.
"On this Vesak Day, I was deeply touched to see over one million individuals in Vietnam paying respect and praying at the Buddhist Holy Relics that journeyed from India. This truly reflects our longstanding connection, shared culture, and special relations," stated EAM Jaishankar.
The gesture of sending the holy relics to Vietnam has been praised by Vietnamese President Luong Cuong, highlighting the deepening spiritual and cultural ties between the two nations.
The relics were brought from India on May 2 by a delegation led by Union Minister of Parliamentary and Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, which included Andhra Pradesh Minister Kandula Durgesh alongside senior monks and officials.
The holy relics will remain in Vietnam until May 21 as part of the UN Day of Vesak celebrations. They were previously displayed at Thanh Tam Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City, before moving to Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh province, and are now in Hanoi.
Recently, the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City attended the enshrining ceremony of the Holy Relic of Lord Buddha held 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 countries, alongside the provincial leadership of Tay Ninh.
Point of View
It is clear that the event resonates deeply with the cultural and spiritual identity of both India and Vietnam. This gathering is not merely a ceremonial occasion but a reflection of the shared history and bonds that strengthen the relationship between these two nations.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Holy Buddhist Relics?
The Holy Buddhist Relics are sacred items associated with Lord Buddha, symbolizing his teachings and presence.
Why were the relics sent from India to Vietnam?
The relics were sent to strengthen the cultural and spiritual ties between India and Vietnam, marking significant religious events.
How long will the relics be displayed in Hanoi?
The relics will be on display at the Quan Su Pagoda until May 16, 2025.
What is Vesak Day?
Vesak Day, also known as Buddha Purnima, celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha.
Who attended the enshrining ceremony?
The ceremony was attended by monks from India, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and provincial leadership from Tay Ninh.
