New Delhi, June 3 (Taaza Wire): The Lord Buddha relics Vietnam exposition has made history with over 17 million devotees participating in the spiritual journey across Vietnam. In a historic religious event that crossed borders and cultures, the sacred remains of Lord Buddha, housed in Sarnath (Uttar Pradesh), were exhibited in Vietnam during May 2025 — attracting more than 1.78 crore (17.8 million) pilgrims in a month-long historical exposition.
The holy relics came back to India on the evening of June 2, aboard a special Indian Air Force (IAF) plane, marking the end of one of the greatest cultural and religious exchanges between India and Vietnam.
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A Journey of Faith: From India to Vietnam
The sacred relics were airlifted from Hindan Air Base, Ghaziabad, and arrived in Ho Chi Minh City on May 2, to be received with profound veneration and treated as “State Guests” by the Vietnamese Government.
This holy exhibition was one of Vietnam’s United Nations Day of Vesak celebrations and the first time ever that Buddha’s relics had been displayed there — so a highly spiritual and culturally important occasion.
Historic Lord Buddha Relics Vietnam Exposition Draws Massive Crowd
The relics journeyed across key Buddhist pilgrimage centers in Vietnam, attracting an overwhelming response from spiritual seekers. Here’s a breakdown of the astonishing turnout:
| Location | Date | Devotees Attended |
|---|---|---|
| Ay Thanh Tâm Monastery, Ho Chi Minh | May 3 – May 8 | 18,77,000 |
| Quan Su Pagoda, Hanoi | May 13 – May 17 | Over 70,00,000 |
| Tam Chuc Pagoda, Ha Nam Province | May 17 – May 19 | Over 20,00,000 |
| Various other cities and towns | Throughout May | Total over 1.78 crore |
Initially scheduled to end on May 21, the exhibition was extended to June 2 due to the immense public demand and the spiritually energized environment, the Ministry of Culture confirmed.
India’s Cultural Diplomacy in Action
The holy relics were preceded by a top-level Indian delegation, headed by Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati. This effort was driven by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture.
On arrival at Delhi, the relics are being laid for public display at the National Museum on June 3, followed by a formal prayer meeting in the afternoon. Senior monks, IBC members, and foreign envoys will be present to mark this glorious occasion.
Relics Return to India After Successful Vietnam Exposition
On June 4th, the remains will make their way in a Presidential procession from Delhi to Varanasi, and eventually to Mulagandha Kuti Vihar in Sarnath, where they will be re-enshrined ceremoniously.
This global spiritual pilgrimage reaffirmed the rich Buddhist heritage of India, and underscored Lord Buddha’s Ever-Enduring Teaching of peace, love, and harmony.
A Message That Transcends Borders
Not only a religious occasion, this exposition was a strong gesture of cultural diplomacy and people-to-people engagement. It reinforced India as the spiritual cradle of Buddhism, while enhancing its relationship with Buddhist-majority countries such as Vietnam.
“An extraordinary spiritual movement swept across Vietnam,” said the Ministry of Culture, “uniting millions in veneration of Buddha’s sacred relics in a profound display of reverence and cultural solidarity.”
Stay tuned with Taaza Wire for more updates on India’s spiritual and cultural milestones.