India extends Buddha relic's stay in Vietnam

The relic, regarded as a national treasure of India, has attracted millions of Buddhists across Vietnam since its arrival in early May.

In light of this overwhelming response, the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha proposed prolonging the relic’s veneration period.

The Indian prime minister approved the ‘exceptional step’ in response to the widespread spiritual demand among Vietnamese Buddhists and the general public.

The Vietnam Government Committee for Religious Affairs on Tuesday received an official proposal from the Sangha to add five locations to enshrine the sacred relic of the Buddha from May 22 to June 2.

As such, the committee issued an urgent dispatch on the same day to the People’s Committees of five localities, Ninh Binh, Bac Giang, Quang Ninh, Hung Yen, and Da Nang, as well as the Bureau of Homeland Security under the Ministry of Public Security, seeking their feedback on the Sangha’s proposal.

The relic is expected to be displayed at Bai Dinh Pagoda in Ninh Binh Province, northern Vietnam from May 21 to 22, Phuc Son Pagoda in Bac Giang Province between May 22 and 24, Truc Lam Yen Tu Palace in Quang Ninh Province from May 25 to 28, Chuong Pagoda in Hung Yen Province from May 28 to 29, and Ngu Hanh Son Pagoda in Da Nang City, central Vietnam between May 30 and June 2.

The Sangha underlined that millions of people had participated in devotional activities since the relic’s arrival.

The surge in public attendance and spiritual fervor prompted the Sangha to propose the Vietnamese prime minister seek India’s approval for extending the relic’s stay in Vietnam.

The sacred relic of the Buddha has been enshrined at four locations across the country, allowing the devotees to visit, pay their respects, and offer reverence.

These locations were Thanh Tam Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City, Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh Province, Quan Su Pagoda in Hanoi, and Tam Chuc Pagoda in Ha Nam Province.

As initially planned, the relic would be enshrined at Tam Chuc Pagoda in Ha Nam until Tuesday before the sacred item was returned to India.