On June 5, 2025, the sacred relics of Lord Buddha arrived in Sarnath, welcomed with traditional chants, official honours, and the presence of hundreds of monks and devotees at the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar.
- The relics began their journey from the National Museum in New Delhi, were flown to Varanasi, and then transported to Sarnath in a ceremonial procession.
- District Magistrate Satyendra Kumar, the Senior Superintendent of Police, and other dignitaries received the relics at Varanasi airport.
- The Uttar Pradesh Police presented a guard of honour, while NCC cadets and a ceremonial band also participated.
Key Highlights:
- A large number of Buddhist monks, nuns, and devotees gathered to pay their respects.
- Most Venerable Seewali Bhante shared his experience of public reverence in Vietnam, where the relics were previously displayed.
- Officials from the International Buddhist Confederation, the National Museum, and senior monks were present.
- The event highlights Sarnath’s global spiritual importance, being the site of Lord Buddha’s first sermon.
- Part of a larger initiative to strengthen cultural and spiritual ties among global Buddhist communities.
