Overview

• The sacred relics of Lord Buddha, originating from Sarnath, India, arrived in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on May 2 aboard an Indian Air Force aircraft.
• Union Minister Kiren Rijiju led the Indian delegation, which included monks and officials, for the ceremonial handover and enshrinement of the relics at Thanh Tam Monastery.
• A sapling of the Sacred Bodhi Tree was planted at the Buddhist University in Ho Chi Minh City by Minister Rijiju and Vietnam’s Supreme Patriarch Thich Tri Quang.
• The relics will remain on display at Thanh Tam Monastery until May 7, before traveling to Tay Ninh, Hanoi, and Ha Nam provinces through May 21 for public expositions.
• This cultural diplomacy initiative underscores India and Vietnam's shared Buddhist heritage and aims to strengthen bilateral ties during the UN Day of Vesak celebrations.