On the morning of May 2, the Buddha's Compass transferred by Indian Air Force private plane arrived at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Ho Chi Minh City in a solemn and respectful welcome. This is an important event opening a series of activities for the 2025 United Nations Vesak Festival in Vietnam.
The rewards will be enjoyed at the Vietnam Buddhist Academy in Ho Chi Minh City, then honored at Thanh Tam Pagoda (Binh Chanh) for Buddhists to worship from May 3-8, every day from 6am to 10pm, then at Nui Ba Den National Tourist Area (Tay Ninh) from May 8-13, at Quan Su Pagoda - the headquarters of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (Hanoi) from September 13-15; at Tam Chuc Pagoda (Hanoi Province) from May 17-21.
Previously, on the afternoon of May 1, at the National Museum of India (New Delhi), the delegation of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha solemnly held a worship ceremony and performed the Khong Inha Rites to benefit Buddha Shishi Ca Mau Ni - the national treasure of India - to Vietnam.
The ceremony was attended by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Vietnam to India - Mr. Nguyen Thanh Hai, Mr. Abhijit Halder - General Director of the International Buddhist Union (IBC) and many Vietnamese autistic monks studying in India.
Immediately after the oath-taking ceremony, the Buddha's Rewards were taken to the international airport in India and transported to Vietnam on a military private plane sent by the Indian Government. The amateur travel by military personnel shows the absolute solemnity and security for this national treasure.
The relics of Buddha Shakyamuni are preserved at the National Museum of New Delhi. This is a national treasure of India, discovered by a British archaeologist in 1898.
According to Indian diplomatic regulations, allowing Xa Phu - a protective nation - to leave the territory is considered a diplomatic event equivalent to a national head-to-head trip.
To prepare for this special event, from the end of December 2024, the Vietnamese Government has sent an official dispatch to the Indian Government.
After many months of working and discussing carefully, the Indian Government has approved the ex perks of Buddha's hand to be brought to Vietnam to pay his respects within the framework of the 2025 United Nations Generalment.
Accompanying Xa Viet on this trip was a working group of the Indian Government, including representatives of the Ministry of Culture, archaeologists, and leaders of the New Delhi National Museum.
The delegation arrived in Vietnam many days in advance to survey the reception and celebration of the Festival, paying special attention to preservation conditions such as humidity, lighting, air and absolute strict security.
