Hanoi/New Delhi, June 2 (UNI) Over seventeen million devotees in Vietnam paid respects and prayed to the Buddhist Holy Relics that travelled from India, in an expression of the close and friendly ties between the two nations.

The sacred tour, spanning multiple revered locations from the south to the north of Vietnam, drew more than 17.8 million devotees in total, uniting Buddhists and spiritual seekers in a profound display of reverence and cultural solidarity, a statement said.

The veneration not only affirmed Vietnam’s deep-rooted Buddhist heritage but also became a vibrant expression of national unity and peace. Ceremonies included relic processions, meditative gatherings, chanting, and educational sessions, fostering spiritual mindfulness among attendees of all ages.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in a post:

“Celebrating the age old cultural & spiritual connection between India & Vietnam.

"14 million devotees paid respects to and prayed at the Buddhist Holy Relics. Travelling from India, the exhibition of these Relics are an expression of our close and friendly ties over centuries."

The Mahabodhi Society of India in posts on X said the sacred Buddha relic was being flown back to India from Vietnam by a special Indian Air Force flight, after a month-long public veneration.

“Devotees grew emotional as the relic departed Quan Thế Âm Pagoda in Đà Nẵng for the airport, marking end of a meaningful journey.”

Earlier, hundreds of devotees had the rare opportunity to glimpse the sacred Buddha relic at Quan Thế Âm Pagoda in Đà Nẵng.

Earlier, the sacred Buddha relic was ceremoniously carried from Trúc Lâm Yên Tử Zen Monastery in Quảng Ninh to Bell Pagoda in Hưng Yên Province, Vietnam, for public display. Devotees had the rare opportunity to glimpse the revered relic and pay their respects.

On May 13, the Holy Sarnath Relics of the Buddha entered the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi, and around five lakh people gathered on the streets to welcome the sacred relics. “Emotions were high with many weeping and praying while others chanted aloud.”

UNI RN