Holy Relics to be taken from India to Thailand for 26-day exposition on 22nd February 2024

By  — Shyamal Sinha

In a historic and momentous event, the revered relics of Lord Buddha, along with those of his esteemed disciples, Arahata Sariputra and Arahata Maudgalayana, are set to embark on a sacred journey to Thailand. This unprecedented exposition marks the first time that the holy relics of Lord Buddha and his disciples will be showcased together.

Briefing media about the visit in New Delhi today, Shri Govind Mohan, Secretary Ministry of Culture said that a 22-member delegation led by Hon’ble Governor of Bihar Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar will  accompany the Sacred Relics from India to Thailand for 26-day exposition. The delegation comprise of venerable monks from Kushinagar, Aurangabad, Ladakh , officials from Ministry of Culture, state government of M.P., curators from National Museum , artists and scholars. The event is being organized with the support of Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Embassy in Thailand, International Buddhist Confederation, National Museum, State Government of Madhya Pradesh.

Shri Govind Mohan added that it is another historic milestone in India-Thailand relations and will further boost cultural and spiritual relations between the two countries. He elaborated  that the centerpiece of this esteemed collection is the Piparahwa Relic, a revered artifact categorized as AA, safeguarded at the National Museum. Among the 20 cherished pieces housed at the National Museum, four will be travelling to Thailand for this momentous occasion.

Additionally, the holy relics of Arahata Sariputra and Arahata Maudgalayana, currently residing at Sanchi, have been brought to Delhi in preparation for their journey to Thailand, further enriching this sacred expedition.

Photos of the casket in which the Holy relics will be encased and the beautiful pagoda at Bangkok specially constructed by the Thai Govt to enshrine the Holy Relics

The journey of these sacred relics from India to Thailand is scheduled to commence on 22nd February 2024. The Relics are being carried in IAF aircraft befitting status as State Guest and will reach Thailand in the forenoon of the same day. Once arrived, the relics will be  welcomed in a grand ceremony and securely housed at the National Museum in Bangkok, and later enshrined in a grand mandapam prepared in Sanam Luang Pavilion in Bangkok on 23^rd February. People can  pay their reverence  from Makha Bucha Day onwards. Exhibitions about Buddhist sites in Bharat and talk on Relics by academicians will also be organised on the sidelines of the tour of the relics at the different venues.

The exhibition itinerary includes visits to multiple venues across Thailand, allowing devotees and enthusiasts alike to pay homage to these revered artifacts:

This sacred journey will culminate on 19^th March 2024, with the relics being escorted back to their respective homes, concluding a historic and spiritually enriching exposition in Thailand.