Hanoi– The streets of Hanoi came to a standstill as tens of thousands of devotees gathered outside Quan Su Pagoda on Wednesday to offer prayers to the sacred relics of Lord Buddha, brought to Vietnam from India. The arrival of the holy relics has stirred a deep spiritual fervor across the Vietnamese capital, with crowds chanting, “The Buddha has arrived,” in a rare display of emotion and reverence.
According to the International Buddhist Confederation, the mood in Hanoi was one of celebration and solemn devotion, with approximately 500,000 people lining the streets on Tuesday to welcome the relics. Many in the crowd wept, prayed, and chanted as the sacred artifacts entered the city under tight ceremonial processions.
The relics, which originated from Sarnath, India — a major pilgrimage site associated with the Buddha’s teachings — were enshrined at Quan Su Pagoda on Tuesday in a ceremony led by monks from both India and Vietnam. They will remain on display at the temple until May 16.
“The Holy Buddha Relics from Sarnath, India, arrived in Hanoi today and were enshrined at Quan Su Pagoda with full ceremonial honors,” the Embassy of India in Hanoi posted on X.
The visit of the relics coincides with Vesak Day, also known as Buddha Purnima, which commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar marked the occasion by emphasizing the spiritual and cultural ties between India and Vietnam. “On this Vesak Day, deeply moved to see over one million people in Vietnam pay respects to the Buddhist Holy Relics from India — a reflection of our age-old cultural connection and special relationship,” he said.
Vietnamese President Luong Cuong praised the gesture, calling it a powerful symbol of the strong spiritual and cultural bond shared between the two nations.
The relics were brought to Vietnam on May 2 by an Indian delegation led by Union Minister for Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju. The group also included Andhra Pradesh Minister Kandula Durgesh, senior monks, and officials. Since their arrival, the relics have been displayed at several significant locations, including Thanh Tam Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City and Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh province.
On May 8, the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City participated in the enshrinement ceremony at Ba Den Mountain, which was attended by revered monks from India, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and other countries, as well as local officials from Tay Ninh province.
The relics will remain in Vietnam until May 21 as part of the United Nations Day of Vesak celebrations, continuing their journey across the country and deepening the spiritual connection between the people of Vietnam and India. (Source: IANS)
