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On the afternoon of May 2, the sacred relic of Shakyamuni Buddha was officially welcomed at the Vietnam Buddhist Academy in Ho Chi Minh City. The event was attended by hundreds of monks, nuns, Buddhist followers, representatives of local authorities, an Indian delegation, and leaders from the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha.
The relic had been transported from India to Vietnam on a military aircraft provided by the Indian government.
The welcoming ceremony was conducted with solemnity and reverence, following traditional Buddhist rites. The entire process of receiving and escorting the relic was carried out with meticulous care. Since the Vietnam Buddhist Academy is nearly 25 kilometers from Tan Son Nhat Airport, the motorcade took almost two hours to reach the destination.
Most Venerable Thich Tri Quang, Supreme Patriarch of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, along with senior clergy, led the ceremony to receive the Buddha's relic.
Outside the Academy gates, hundreds of laypeople and devotees stood in long queues, expressing both joy and deep emotion as they awaited their chance to view the sacred relic.
The enshrinement of the Buddha's relic at Thanh Tam Pagoda marks the beginning of a series of spiritual and cultural activities celebrating the United Nations Day of Vesak 2025 in Vietnam.
An Indian delegation representative observed the ceremonial proceedings. According to India’s diplomatic regulations, the overseas transfer of a Buddha relic - a national treasure - holds the same status as a state-level visit by a head of state.
The official welcoming ceremony took place in the main hall, which will also serve as the primary site for public veneration of the relic in the coming days.
Devotees will be able to pay respects to the relic from May 3 to 8, daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. However, the morning of May 6 will be reserved exclusively for Vesak delegates.
On the afternoon of May 8, the relic will be taken to Ba Den Mountain National Tourist Area in Tay Ninh.
From May 8 to 21, the relic will be kept for veneration at Quan Su Pagoda in Hanoi and Tam Chuc Pagoda in Ha Nam. Afterward, the sacred relic of the Buddha will be ceremoniously returned to India.
The sacred relic of the Buddha is officially received at the Vietnam Buddhist Academy in Ho Chi Minh City.
The welcoming ceremony is held with solemnity, following traditional Buddhist rituals.
The motorcade took nearly two hours to travel the 25 km from the airport to the Academy.
Most Venerable Thich Tri Quang and senior monks lead the welcoming ceremony.
Hundreds of Buddhist followers line up outside the Academy, eager to venerate the relic.
The enshrinement at Thanh Tam Pagoda marks the start of Vesak 2025 spiritual events.
Indian officials observe the ceremonial transfer of the Buddha’s relic.
Veneration is open May 3-8 from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., except for the morning of May 6.
On May 8, the relic will be moved to Ba Den Mountain National Tourist Area.
From May 8 to 21, the relic will be venerated at Quan Su Pagoda and Tam Chuc Pagoda before returning to India.
Tuan Chieu
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