From May 17 to 20, the sacred relics of Shakyamuni Buddha - recognized as a national treasure of India - will be enshrined at Tam Chuc Pagoda in Ha Nam Province, offering Buddhists and the public a rare opportunity to pay homage and participate in vibrant spiritual and cultural activities.

As part of the 2025 United Nations Day of Vesak celebrations, Tam Chuc Pagoda has been honored as the final site to host the sacred relics of the Buddha in Vietnam before they are returned to India.

This special occasion is a rare blessing for devotees and visitors to venerate the relics of the Buddha. According to the organizers, public access to the relics at the Tam The Hall of Tam Chuc Pagoda begins at 3:00 PM on May 17 and lasts until noon on May 20.

From May 18 to the morning of May 20, the relics can be visited from 5:30 AM to 10:00 PM. Entry is open to all and completely free of charge.

During this time, visitors to Tam Chuc Pagoda can also take part in a range of meaningful cultural and spiritual activities.

A highlight is the grand Vesak celebration at 8:30 AM on May 18, themed: “Solidarity and tolerance for human dignity: Buddhist wisdom for world peace and sustainable development.”

Other enriching experiences include a lantern offering ceremony, a candlelight procession, and lantern floating event on the evening of May 19.

Attendees can also enjoy spiritual pilgrimages, vegetarian cuisine at the food street, traditional rural food markets, folk art performances, and inter-ethnic cultural exchanges.

Prior to its enshrinement at Tam Chuc, the sacred relic had been venerated at Thanh Tam Pagoda (Ho Chi Minh City) from May 2–8, Ba Den Mountain (Tay Ninh) from May 8–13, and Quan Su Pagoda (Hanoi) from May 13–16.

Following its time at Tam Chuc Pagoda, the relic will be respectfully returned to India.

Binh Minh