Buddha’s Sacred Relics Receive Final Homage in Delhi Before Return to Sarnath
NEW DELHI, 3 June 2025: In a moment of deep spiritual significance, the sacred relics of the Buddha were given a heartfelt farewell at the National Museum in New Delhi, as they prepare for their final journey back to Sarnath. After a highly successful 30-day exposition across nine cities in Vietnam, the relics will be ceremoniously transported tomorrow with full State protocol to the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar Temple in Sarnath.
The veneration ceremony, organized by the National Museum in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) and supported by the Ministry of Culture, brought together monks, nuns, diplomats, and devotees. The air was filled with reverence as speakers recalled the overwhelming devotion shown by the people of Vietnam during the relics’ tour.
Queues in Vietnam reportedly stretched for miles as millions waited patiently—some for hours, others through the night—just to get a glimpse of the Enlightened One’s relics. Most Venerable Seewali Bhante, the custodian of the relics in Vietnam, recounted:
“People had tears in their eyes and prayers on their lips. It was an emotionally charged atmosphere that moved all of us.”
The Ambassador of Mongolia, Mr. Ganbold Dambajav, shared a similar memory from an earlier exposition in his country, recalling how even the youth showed great interest in the teachings of the Buddha. He also shared a spiritual moment when clouds in the shape of an elephant appeared—an auspicious sign in Buddhist tradition.
Deputy Chief of Mission of Vietnam, Mr. Tran Thanh Tung, expressed deep gratitude to India for not only sharing the sacred relics but also extending the visit by 10 days to accommodate the immense public response.
Nepal’s Ambassador, Dr. Shankar Prasad Sharma, reflected on how the sacred journey was also a diplomatic bridge, strengthening people-to-people relations grounded in Buddha’s teachings of peace.
Ven. Prof. Dhammajyoti emphasized Vietnam’s resilience and enduring faith despite a troubled past:
“There was no need for police to manage crowds. It was the power of faith.”
Shartse Khensur Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche, Secretary General of IBC, concluded:
“This is about unity—Buddhist values can heal societies. India must continue to lead the message of Buddha Dharma.”
The Vietnam exposition witnessed a record 17.8 million visitors, a testament to the unbroken spiritual link between India and Southeast Asia. As the relics head to Varanasi tomorrow in a Presidential cavalcade, the spiritual echoes of this journey continue to unite people across borders and generations.
