The holy relics of the Buddha are considered sacred and serve as tangible connections to his inheritance. When these relics are taken abroad from India to a Buddhist country, it is indeed a mesmerising sight to see people thronging to get blessed by the relics. The spiritual and emotional connection with the holy relics is so deep among people in Vietnam (as also in other Buddhist nations) that the cities where the holy relics are displayed come to a virtual standstill.
The holy relic of the Buddha from Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh were taken for exposition to Vietnam by the Ministry of Culture of the Government of India and the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), from May 2 to May 21, 2025. The relic was taken aboard; an Indian Air Force C130 aircraft escorted by a high-level delegation that was led by the Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs, Mr Kiren Rijiju, a Buddhist himself. The overwhelming response of the people in Ho Chi Minh city while receiving the holy relic was a rare sight, with a large number of ardent Buddhists lining up along the streets and a congregation of senior Sangha members and the Religious Minister of Vietnam formally receiving the relic. There could not have been a better time frame for the holy relic to arrive in Vietnam where they celebrate the Vesak day on May 6.
Vesak, also known as the Thrice Blessed Day, honours three significant events in the life of the Buddha-His Birth, Enlightenment, and Great Demise. It is a time for reflection, meditation, and acts of kindness, with lanterns symbolizing enlightenment and the dispelling of darkness. The United Nations Day of Vesak Festival 2025 was celebrated from May 6 to 8 in Ho Chi Minh City, with more than 3000 foreign delegates from over 80 countries congregating for the grand event. The presence further added value as members representing International Buddhist Sanghas from across the world could pay their obeisance to the holy relic from Sarnath, India. According to the Vietnamese Buddhist Sangha (VBS), around 1.8 million people visited the holy relic at Ho Chi Minh City.
The second venue for exposition of the Holy relic - Ba Den Mountain, is a mountain top location marked by pristine natural beauty. It is also the highest mountain in the south eastern part of Vietnam, at a height of 3,268 feet, requiring people to mostly use the ropeway. This was indeed a grand experience for the holy relic as it travelled aboard the ropeway to the top of the mountain. With a large number of people from different parts of Vietnam and also from across the world visiting the relic at this mountain top pagoda, thissacred gathering has affirmed Ba Den Mountain's status as a new spiritual meeting place of Buddhist heritage while fostering its commitment to the International Buddhist sphere.
Prof. Dr. Phra Brahmapundit, President of the International Council for the Day of Vesak (ICDV), described Ba Den Mountain as "heaven in the Pali Canon," recognizing it as a model for the five forms of peace emphasized by the United Nations Vesak: economic, social, environmental, spiritual, and international friendship. Delegates expressed admiration for Vietnam's hospitality and dedication to Buddhist traditions. Dr. Arunjyoti Bhikkhu from India statedBa Den Mountain was as beautiful as Rajgir, highlighting how Buddha Dhamma in Vietnam transcends mere religious identity to become an integral way of life.
Similarly, Venerable Kosho Tomioka from Japan expressed astonishment at the scale of Ba Den's spiritual complexsituated on the mountain, something previously unseen in his homeland. Vice President of the Lao Buddhist Union, Maha Veth Masaenai, described the exposition and worship of the Relic atop Ba Den Mountain while referring to the mountain's unique energy and spiritual importance.
One of the most poignant moments of the festival was the planting of 108 Bodhi trees, symbolizing wisdom, compassion, and awakening. Thich Minh Thien emphasized that the trees represent the wish for unity, love,and brotherhood through wisdom and compassion.
T. Dhammaratana, Vice President of ICDV, described the planting as a historical milestone for Vietnamese Buddhism. The candle lighting ceremony at Tay Bo Da Son Square served as another powerful display of global spiritual connection. Thousands lit candles, spreading the light of wisdom and compassion while praying for world peace.
With the Buddha's relic enshrined for worship from May 8 to 13, Ba Den Mountain solidified its role as a revered space for spiritual reflection and connection.
Later, on May 13, 2025, the sacred relic of Shakyamuni Buddha, recognized as a National Treasure of India, was ceremoniously welcomed to Quan Su Pagoda in Hanoi, the headquarters of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha. Thousands of Buddhists, monks, and visitors gathered to witness this extraordinary spiritual event. The relic was transported from Noi Bai International Airport through Hanoi's central streets, adorned with banners, flags, and lotus flowers. Upon arrival at Quan Su Pagoda, a solemn enshrinement ceremony took place. The rhythmic chants of Buddhist hymns, combined with the incense offerings, created a deeply sacred atmosphere. The VBS claimed around 5 million people having visited the holy relic in Hanoi. A grand street festival marked the entry of the relic into the city with floats stretched up to 2 kms celebrating the occasion.
During the Exposition of the Holy Relic of the Buddha in Vietnam, an extraordinary phenomenon graced the skies over Hanoi. As devotees gathered in reverence and prayer, a luminous halo encircled the sun, casting an ethereal glow upon the solemn occasion. More than a mere atmospheric event, this celestial display was widely regarded as a sacred blessing-an affirmation of the sanctity of the exposition and the enduring presence of the Buddha's compassion. The timing of this atmospheric spectacle was significant, coinciding seamlessly with the exposition's spiritual weight. In Buddhist tradition, such celestial occurrences are often interpreted as auspicious signs, symbolizing divine presence and enlightenment.
During the incense offering ceremony, Venerable Thich Minh Quang, Secretary of the Executive Council and Deputy Chief of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha Office, addressed the congregation. He urged followers to walk softly, speak gently, and keep their thoughts focused on the Buddha. He emphasized that veneration should be a time of self-reflection-a commitment to embody the Buddha's teachings in daily life through kindness, ethical conduct, and a compassionate heart. Subsequently, the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha organized a grand procession of the relic around Hoan Kiem Lake, a symbolic act commemorating the Buddha's birth and offering prayers for global peace, national prosperity, and favorableweather. Hundreds of monks and lay Buddhists carried lanterns, chanting prayers as they walked with a sense of unity and tranquility.
Following the procession, the relic was placed in the main hall of Quan Su Pagoda, which remained enshrined from May 13 to 16, 2025. From the early hours of dawn until late into the evening, thousands of worshippers gathered, standing patiently in long queues, eager to pay their respects.
On May 17, 2025, the relic was ceremonially transported to Tam Chuc Pagoda in Ha Nam Province, where it will remain in place till this weekend.
Dr. Phuntsog Dolma is the research associate and Baishali Sarkar is the research consultant at IBC
