In an epochal occurrence, the venerable relics of Lord Buddha, along with his esteemed disciples Arahata Sariputta and Arahata Maha Moggallana, graced the shores of Thailand for an extensive 26-day exposition commencing on Thursday.

An eminent delegation, spearheaded by Bihar’s dignified Governor, Rajendra Arlekar, and the Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Virendra Kumar, shepherded the sacred remnants to Thailand. A solemn convocation unfolded upon their arrival, presided over by venerable monks from both the Indian and Thai domains.

The collaborative efforts of the Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian embassy in Thailand, and the International Buddhist Confederation orchestrate this grand exposition. Govind Mohan, the Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, heralded the relic presentation as yet another historic juncture in the annals of India-Thailand relations.

Come February 23, the hallowed relics will find their sanctuary in the regal precincts of Sanam Luang, graced by the Prime Minister of Thailand. Reverence can be paid from Makha Bucha Day onwards. In a communiqué on platform X, Virendra Kumar, Union Cabinet Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment, expounded, “Today in Bangkok, I engaged in a meticulous discourse with Thailand’s Culture Minister, Sermsak Pongpanit, delving into the significance of the sanctified metallic relics of Lord Buddha and his two disciples, and the cultural entwinement between our two nations. On this momentous occasion, an MoU was inked by officials from India and Thailand. Simultaneously, our perspectives were disseminated to the media.”