Odisha Governor to Bring Back Sacred Buddha Relics from Vietnam: A Spiritual Journey
Governor Kambhampati's Spiritual Mission
Bhubaneswar: The Governor of Odisha, Hari Babu Kambhampati, is set to lead a delegation to bring back the revered relics of Lord Buddha from Vietnam on June 2, as confirmed by official sources on Thursday.
Kambhampati will depart for Vietnam from New Delhi on Friday, according to Raj Bhavan officials.
Before the delegation's journey to retrieve the relics, Kambhampati expressed, "It is a significant honor to escort the sacred relics of Lord Buddha back to India. This spiritual expedition symbolizes our shared cultural heritage with Vietnam."
He emphasized India's appreciation for its deep cultural and spiritual ties with Vietnam, expressing hope that the return of these relics, along with the events during their visit, will further enhance the strong friendship between the two nations.
These relics hold immense spiritual importance for Buddhists globally and were taken to Vietnam for display during the grand celebrations of the United Nations Day of Vesak, which is celebrated annually on the full moon of May to honor the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Lord Buddha.
The relics were showcased in Vietnam during the Vesak festivities from May 6 to 8 and are currently being exhibited at various locations across the country.
Provided by the Mahabodhi Society of India and the National Museum under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, the relics have received support from the International Buddhist Confederation.
Originally transported from Sarnath, the site where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon, the relics were flown to Vietnam aboard a special Indian Air Force aircraft, accompanied by Union Minister of Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju, Andhra Pradesh Minister of Tourism and Culture Kandula Durgesh, esteemed monks, and senior Indian officials.
An Indian cultural troupe also traveled to Vietnam to perform the dance drama "The Journey of Gautama Buddha," which depicts the life and teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha. These performances took place in Ho Chi Minh City, Tay Ninh, Hanoi, and other venues from May 5 to 13.
The final exhibit of the relics is set for June 2, after which they will return to India from Da Nang City via a special IAF aircraft.