The sacred relics of Lord Buddha have arrived in Vietnam, marking the commencement of the UN Vesak Day celebrations, and are poised to draw millions of devotees. The relics, originally enshrined in a vihara in Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, were transported via a special Indian Air Force aircraft and will be exhibited from May 2 to May 21, 2025. The delegation accompanying the relics was led by Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju, along with Shri Kandula Durgesh, Minister for Tourism, Culture & Cinematography of Andhra Pradesh.
The exhibition will take place at multiple locations across Vietnam, including Han Tam Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City, Ba Den Mountain, and Tam Chuc Pagoda in Ha Nam Province. These spiritual events are expected to generate a significant influx of visitors and strengthen the cultural ties between India and Vietnam.
In Sikkim, the arrival of the relics has sparked heightened interest in religious tourism. Local travel agencies report an increase in bookings for pilgrimage tours to Vietnam, as well as demand for Buddhist-related souvenirs. This has led to a surge in retail activity in the region, with businesses focusing on religious products, thereby enhancing the local economy through tourism and cultural exchange.
