To further strengthen the civilizational ties between India and Thailand the holy relics of Lord Buddha, along with those of his disciples Arahata Sariputta and Arahata Maha Moggallana reached Thailand on 22 Feb 2024 for a 25-day long exposition.
“It is for the first time in recorded history that the relics of Buddha along with the relics of Sariputta and Maha Moggalla from Sanchi, are enshrined together at one place,” says Ambassador of India to Thailand, Nagesh Singh.
According to Ambassador Singh, during the 25-day long exposition, these holy relics are expected to visit four cities in Thailand – Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Ubon Ratchathani and Krabi – till 19 March 2024. This will also give opportunity to the devotees from the neighbouring countries of Thailand to pay their respect.
The holy relics of Lord Buddha, have rarely left the shores of India and have always been kept in the National Museum in New Delhi.
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Gimpses of the ceremony in Thailand (Image: Indian Embassy in Thailand)
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These holy relics are expected to visit four cities in Thailand – Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Ubon Ratchathani and Krabi – till 19 March 2024. (Image: Indian Embassy in Thailand)
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The holy relics of Lord Buddha have rarely left the shores of India and have always been kept in the National Museum in New Delhi. (Image: Indian Embassy in Thailand)
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Ambassador Singh noted a solemn prayer ceremony upon their arrival at Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport on February 22 (Image: Indian Embassy in Thailand)
Who escorted the relics? What is the Significance?
A delegation, headed by Bihar’s Governor, Rajendra Arlekar, and the Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr Virendra Kumar, escorted the relics to Thailand in an Indian Air Force aircraft, marking a significant moment in bilateral cultural exchange coinciding with His Majesty King Rama X of Thailand’s 6th cycle and 72nd birth anniversary.
Ambassador Singh noted a solemn prayer ceremony upon their arrival at Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport on February 22, 2024, led by senior monks from India and Thailand. Subsequently, a ceremony at the National Museum in Bangkok welcomed the sacred relics later that day.
On February 23, the Royal Thai Government organized an enshrinement ceremony for the relics at the Sanam Luang Royal Palace Ground in Bangkok, attended by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, Deputy PM Somsak Thepsutin, and Culture Minister Sermsak Pongpanit, who received the relics from Indian dignitaries. This was followed by a solemn religious ceremony led by senior monks from both nations. The ceremony was preceded by a vibrant parade featuring participants from various parts of Thailand, including a 200-member Indian contingent comprising Indian diaspora members.
Today, February 24, being Magh Purnima, holds special significance in the Buddhist calendar, with a large turnout of devotees anticipated. Alongside the Dhammayatra, the Indian Embassy in Thailand, in collaboration with UP Tourism, established a pavilion named ‘Buddha Bhoomi Bharat: Journey Along the Footsteps of Lord Buddha’. The pavilion offers an immersive exhibition showcasing India’s Buddhist heritage, information on Buddhist tourism, discourses on Buddhism, and cultural events. Since its inauguration on February 23, the pavilion has drawn significant crowds and will remain open until March 3.
Previously, in 1995-96, an exposition of Lord Buddha’s holy relics from India was held in Thailand to commemorate the 50th anniversary of King Rama IX’s ascension to the throne. The relics of Arahata Sariputta and Arahata Moggallana were brought to India in 1952 by Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, then President of Maha Bodhi Society, as part of a Dhammayatra to several countries, following their return from England after India gained independence.