Sacred Buddhist Relics from India Arrive in Bangkok for 26-Day Exposition

New Delhi: The sacred Holy Piparahwa Relics of Lord Buddha, along with relics of his disciples Arahata Sariputra and Arahata Maudgalyayana, reached Bangkok, Thailand on Thursday, marking the commencement of a 26-day exposition. The relics, accompanied by a 22-member delegation led by Governor of Bihar Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar, were received with great reverence and ceremony at Bangkok Military Airport.

The delegation, consisting of venerable monks from various regions of India, officials from the Ministry of Culture, state governments, curators from the National Museum, as well as artists and scholars, embarked on this journey with the support of the Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian Embassy in Thailand, the International Buddhist Confederation, the National Museum, and the State Government of Madhya Pradesh.

Upon arrival, the relics were welcomed by H.E Sermsak Pongpanit, Minister of Culture of the Royal Thai Government, alongside Thai officials and numerous monks. A traditional chanting ceremony and warm hospitality performance greeted the sacred artifacts at the Military Airport. The relics were then escorted to the National Museum, Bangkok, where they will be safely housed before their enshrinement at the grand mandapam in Sanam Luang Pavilion on February 23. The public will be able to pay their respects from Makha Bucha Day onwards.

At a press conference held at the National Museum, Bangkok, Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar emphasized the deep-rooted bilateral relations between India and Thailand, underpinned by shared values and the eternal message of Lord Buddha. He expressed optimism that the exposition of the holy relics would further strengthen the bonds of friendship between the two countries. Minister Sermsak Pongpanit expressed gratitude to the Government of India for honoring Thailand’s request to host the relics.

An Exposition Agreement was formalized on February 22, 2024, between the Department of Religious Affairs, Thailand, and the National Museum, India, in the presence of dignitaries from both countries. This agreement marks another milestone in the longstanding diplomatic relations between India and Thailand, which celebrate 75 years of partnership.

The relics, departing from Delhi, were transported via an Indian Air Force aircraft, reflecting their status as state guests. Among the relics are four Holy Piparahwa Relics and those of Arahata Sariputra and Arahata Maudgalyayana, which are being showcased together for the first time, adding to the significance of this historic occasion.