The sacred relics of Lord Buddha, which has recently returned to Delhi after a month-long pilgrimage to nine cities of Vietnam, will depart in a Presidential Cavalcade with full state protocol tomorrow.
They will be taken to Sarnath through Varanasi and ceremoniously enshrined at the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, marking the end of this historic international pilgrimage.
The sacred relics landed in Delhi accompanied by a high-level Indian delegation led by Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati. They were welcomed at Palam Air Force Station by senior monks and representatives of the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC).
Creating a powerful message of peace, compassion, and cultural solidarity, this is the first time that Lord Budhha’s relics were displayed in Vietnam where a record 17.80 million people venerated them.
Treated with the status of a State Guest, the relics served as a spiritual bridge between India and Vietnam. Their return marks not just the end of a journey, but the beginning of renewed faith among millions worldwide.
The sacred relics, considered among the holiest for the global Buddhist community, reached Ho Chi Minh City on May 2 to be part of the United Nations Day of Vesak celebrations hosted by Vietnam.
According to the Ministry of Culture, the tour drew massive crowds across key spiritual sites. At Ay Thanh Tâm Monastery in Ho Chi Minh City (May 3–8), 1.87 million devotees paid their respects. The Tam Chuc Pagoda in Ha Nam Province (May 17–19) saw over 2 million pilgrims, while the Quan Su Pagoda in Hanoi (May 13–17) attracted more than 7 million devotees, including 2 million during the central relic procession.
Initially scheduled to end on May 21, the exposition was extended until June 2 due to an overwhelming spiritual response and at the special request of the Government of Vietnam.
“The veneration not only affirmed Vietnam’s deep-rooted Buddhist heritage but also became a vibrant expression of national unity and peace. Ceremonies included relic processions, meditative gatherings, chanting, and educational sessions, fostering spiritual mindfulness among attendees of all ages,” the ministry stated.
Transported from Hindon Air Base in Ghaziabad to Vietnam with the full honours reserved for a State Guest, the relics are now on public exhibition at the National Museum in Delhi for a day. A formal prayer meeting, attended by senior monks, IBC Secretary General, and diplomats, was held in the afternoon.
