Bhubaneswar: Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati will lead the delegation to Vietnam to bring back the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha which were sent to that country earlier this month.
According to official sources, the Governor is scheduled to leave for Vietnam from New Delhi on Friday for bringing back the holy relics on June 2.
Ahead of the delegation’s departure for Vietnam, Kambhampati said he feels honoured and blessed to be part of this unique spiritual journey to bring the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha. The journey of the Holy Relics demonstrated the bond of friendship and goodwill between India and Vietnam, he said.
It may be noted that the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha, accompanied by Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju, were taken to Ho Chi Minh City onboard a special Indian aircraft. The delegation also included Andhra Pradesh’s Minister of Tourism and Culture, Kandula Durgesh, revered monks, and senior Indian officials. The visit marked a significant spiritual and diplomatic gesture as Vietnam prepares to host the United Nations Day of Vesak celebrations from May 6–8, the Ministry of Minority Affairs said in a statement.
A ceremonial prayer session took place upon arrival, followed by the enshrinement of the Relics at the Thanh Tam Monastery in Ho Chi Minh City.
The Holy Relics, which were sent from the sacred site of Sarnath where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon, were taken to Vietnam for the first time. Provided by the Mahabodhi Society of India and the National Museum under the Government of India with support from the International Buddha Confederation, these relics hold immense significance for the global Buddhist community.
The holy relics, taken to Vietnam as part of the UN Day of Vesak celebrations were displayed at Thanh Tam Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City, then in Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh province, Quan Su Pagoda in Hanoi, Tam Chuc Pagoda in Ha Nam, and Bai Dinh Pagoda in Ninh Binh province of Vietnam. These were later enshrined at an ancient Buddhist temple Phuc Son pagoda in Bac Giang Province of Vietnam. The relics were received with deep reverence and warmth by the local people, province officials, and monks.
Responding to a formal request from the Vietnamese government after receiving a recommendation from the Committee for Ethnic and Religious Affairs, the Government of India has decided to extend the enshrinement of sacred relics of the Buddha in Vietnam beyond May 21 till June 2.
