Culture - Sports

Buddha’s sacred relics arrive in Vietnam for UN Vesak celebrations

The UN Vesak 2025, themed “Unity and Inclusivity for Human Dignity: Buddhist Insights for World Peace and Sustainable Development,” will take place in Ho Chi Minh City from May 6 to 8, expected to draw 1,200 delegates from 85 countries and territories, including dozens of heads of states.

vna-potal-don-xa-loi-duc-phat-thich-ca-tu-an-do-den-viet-nam-8009110.jpg
Shakyamuni Buddha’s sacred relics are transported from the Tan Son Nhat International Airport to the Vietnam Buddhist Academy in HCM City. (Photo: VNA)

HCM City (VNA) – Vietnam welcomed Shakyamuni Buddha’s sacred relics – a national treasure of India on May 2, marking the first time the venerated artifacts have been brought to and enshrined in the country.

The precious artifacts were accompanied by India’s Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju.

The Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) hosted the reception ceremony at the Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City on the day, attended by Most Venerable Thich Tri Quang, Supreme Patriarch of the VBS Patronage Council alongside Most Venerable Thich Thien Nhon, Vice Supreme Patriarch, President of the VBS Executive Council, Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs Dao Ngoc Dung, and Permanent Vice Chairman of the HCM City People’s Committee Duong Ngoc Hai.

vna-potal-don-xa-loi-duc-phat-thich-ca-tu-an-do-den-viet-nam-8009107.jpg
The relics are transported to the Vietnam Buddhist Academy in HCM City. (Photo: VNA)

Following the airport reception, the relics were transported to the Vietnam Buddhist Academy in HCM City, the main venue for the upcoming 20th UN Day of Vesak Celebrations. From May 3-8, they will be enshrined at Thanh Tam pagoda in Binh Chanh district for public veneration.

The relics are scheduled to travel to several significant Buddhist sites across Vietnam, including Ba Den Mountain National Tourist Area in Tay Ninh province, Quan Su Pagoda in Hanoi – the headquarters of the VBS, and Tam Chuc pagoda in Ha Nam province.

The UN Vesak 2025, themed “Unity and Inclusivity for Human Dignity: Buddhist Insights for World Peace and Sustainable Development,” will take place from May 6 to 8. Some 1,200 delegates from 85 countries and territories, including dozens of heads of states, are expected to attend the event.

Vietnam hosted the UN Vesak celebrations in Hanoi in 2008, Ninh Binh province in 2014, and Ha Nam province in 2019./.

VNA
#Shakyamuni Buddha’s sacred relics #UN Day of Vesak Celebrations #national treasure of India #Buddhist sites
Follow VietnamPlus

Related News

Representatives of an Indian delegation, the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, and local officials on April 21 offer incense at Tam Chuc Pagoda, designated as the site where the Buddha's relics will be placed on the occasion of the 20th UN Day of Vesak Celebrations. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam prepares to host UN Day of Vesak Celebrations 2025

The 20th UN Day of Vesak Celebrations will enhance the role of Vietnamese Buddhism in international integration while introducing Vietnam's people, culture, history, and Buddhist traditions to international delegates. Besides, it will help develop spiritual tourism potential, contributing to Vietnam's comprehensive cooperation with countries worldwide.

See more

Delegates perform the ceremony to officially declare Hue Railway Station a tourist destination (Photo: VNA)

Heritage values maximised on central train journey

The Hue–Da Nang route is positioned not merely as transportation but as a cultural journey along one of central Vietnam’s most scenic corridors. With comprehensive upgrades, the “Central Heritage Connection Journey” is expected to become a must-experience tourism product in 2026.

The artists perform the ballet "The Nutcracker" at Ho Guom Opera House on March 25 (Photo: VNA)

Russian classic ballet enchants Hanoi audiences

From the opening scenes, the auditorium was transformed into a fairytale world, enhanced by elaborate staging and the timeless music of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, including “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” and “Waltz of the Flowers”. Technically demanding sequences such as leaps and pas de deux captivated the audience with their precision, harmony and expressive coordination.

Vietnamese community in New Zealand. (Photo: VNA)

Wellington Cup 2026 strengthens Vietnamese community ties in New Zealand

This year’s event brought together more than 50 players from across Wellington, including the central area, Karori, Lower Hutt, and Johnsonville. Matches were played in a lively and competitive atmosphere, attracting enthusiastic cheers from Vietnamese people living, studying, and working in the capital.

Party General Secretary To Lam, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man, and other leaders at the concert. (Photo: VNA)

Party chief attends chamber symphony concert in Hanoi

Directed by the Central Military Commission - the Ministry of National Defence, and the Military University of Culture and Arts, the event was meant to celebrate the success of the 14th National Party and the election of deputies to the 16th NA and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026–2031 term.

Participants join the cultural exchange programme at Due Tam Tea Cultural Space in Chau Pha commune, Ho Chi Minh City. (Photo: sggp.org.vn)

Cultural exchange fosters ASEAN people-to-people connectivity

The event was jointly organised by the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organisations (HUFO) and the Vietnam–Southeast Asia Friendship Association of the city. It drew the participation of ASEAN consuls general and representatives of consulates in Ho Chi Minh City, along with local officials and representatives from agencies and localities.