Bangkok, Thailand: In a momentous spiritual and cultural exchange, the sacred relics of Lord Buddha and his revered disciples, Arahata Sariputra and Arahata Maudgalyayana, arrived in Bangkok today for a 26-day exposition. The relics are accompanied by a distinguished 22-member delegation, led by Bihar Governor Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar.
The delegation includes venerable monks from Kushinagar and Aurangabad, Ladakh officials from the Ministry of Culture, representatives from the state government of Madhya Pradesh, curators from the National Museum, as well as artists and scholars. This significant event is organized with the collaborative 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 their arrival at Bangkok Military Airport, the holy relics were received with profound reverence and ceremonial honors by H.E. Sermsak Pongpanit, the Minister of Culture for the Royal Thai Government, Thai officials, and a large assembly of monks, among other dignitaries. The sacred relics were welcomed through auspicious chanting ceremonies and warm hospitality performances at the Military Airport.
Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar and Mr. Sermsak Pongpanit, Minister of Culture for the Thai Government, held a press conference upon the arrival of the holy relics at the National Museum in Bangkok. Addressing the media, Dr. Virendra Kumar highlighted the strong, multidimensional, and bilateral relations between India and Thailand, emphasizing the eternal message of Lord Buddha as a unifying link. He expressed hope that the arrival of the holy relics would further strengthen the bond of friendship and love between the two countries. The Thai Culture Minister expressed happiness and gratitude for the acceptance of the request to send the Holy Relics to Thailand.
An Exposition Agreement for the Holy Relics was signed on February 22, 2024, at the National Museum of Thailand between the Department of Religious Affairs, Thailand, and the National Museum, Ministry of Culture. The signing ceremony took place in the esteemed presence of Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar, Thai Culture Minister Mr. Sermsak Pongpanit, Ms. Thitima Suphapuckac (Director of Moral and Ethical Promotion Bureau Acting for Deputy Director-General of Religion Affairs, Thailand), and Ms. Amita Prasad Sarbhai (Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Government of India). This agreement marks another significant step in the 75 years of longstanding India-Thailand diplomatic relations.
Earlier, the Holy Relics left India from Delhi with the delegation after customary ceremonies. These Relics belong to 20 of the special Relics kept in the National Museum of Culture Ministry, with four of them traveling to Thailand for this momentous occasion. Additionally, the holy relics of two esteemed disciples of Lord Buddha, Arahata Sariputra and Arahata Maudgalayana, currently residing at Sanchi, are also traveling to Thailand and will be showcased together for the first time. The Relics were carried in an IAF aircraft, befitting their status as State Guests.
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