Did Over Two Lakh People Attend the Holy Buddha Relic Exposition in Vietnam?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Massive gathering of over two lakh devotees.
- Significant cultural event promoting spiritual ties.
- Presence of Indian Minister Kiren Rijiju.
- Holy relics displayed until May 21, 2025.
- Symbolic planting of Sacred Bodhi Tree sapling.
Hanoi, May 3 (NationPress) The holy Buddha relic exposition attracted a massive crowd on Saturday, as thousands of devotees began lining up early in the morning to pay their respects to Lord Buddha.
On the same day, Union Minister of Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju visited the Truc Lam Buddhist Monastery, emphasizing the profound spiritual bond between India and Vietnam through the everlasting teachings of Lord Buddha.
The Minister, leading a distinguished Indian delegation with the Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha, arrived in Dalat City on Saturday.
On Friday, Rijiju, accompanied by Andhra Pradesh Minister Kandula Durgesh, monks, and senior officials who brought the Sacred Relics from Sarnath, received a warm welcome from the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and other dignitaries, illustrating the deep shared spiritual values connecting both nations.
“I arrived in Vietnam leading a high-level Indian delegation with the Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha. A grand ceremonial reception was provided by the Government of Vietnam and the Vietnam Buddhist Sanghas. The Holy Relics will be in Vietnam from May 2-21, 2025 for the UN Vesak Day celebrations,” the minister stated in a social media post.
Rijiju also offered floral tributes at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Ho Chi Minh City, honoring the principles of peace, non-violence, and unity advocated by the Father of the Nation. He noted that the arrival of Buddha's Holy Relics has brought immense spiritual joy to the people of Vietnam.
Following the ceremonial prayers, the holy relics were devotedly enshrined at Thanh Tam Monastery. In a symbolic act of peace and friendship, a Sacred Bodhi Tree sapling from India was also planted at the Vietnam Buddhist University. A joint press conference was held by the Indian delegation and Vietnamese Sangha leaders, where Rijiju shared a heartfelt message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India.
The Government of Vietnam expressed sincere gratitude for this sacred gesture, which symbolizes the enduring civilizational and spiritual ties between the two nations.
The holy relics are being displayed with support from the Ministry of Culture, the Government of India, the National Museum of India, and the International Buddha Confederation. They will be available for public viewing in Ho Chi Minh City until May 7, 2025, before moving to Tay Ninh, Hanoi, and Ha Nam until May 21, 2025.