26-day epic exposition of Lord Buddha's holy relics to boost Indo-Thailand spiritual & cultural ties

India and Thailand have joined hands to strengthen the bilateral relations and enhance each other's cultures and how! Throwing light on the rich religious traditions of both countries, the Buddhabhoomi Bharat Exhibition is a joint initiative of Uttar Pradesh Tourism and the Embassy.

Inaugurated on February 23, this 26-day grand exposition of holy relics of Lord Buddha and two of his disciples (Arahata Sariputra and Arahata Maudgalayana) is taking place in Thailand's Bangkok.

The holy relics were enshrined for public veneration at the specially built Mandapam at Sanam Luang Pavilion. Here, the Governor of Bihar, Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, proffered them to the Thai Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin. These relics are slated to travel across four cities in Thailand, namely Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Krabi and Ubon Ratchathani, till March 19.

On the occasion, a parade of relics embarked from the national museum and exhibited the heritage and cultural traditions of Thailand. The amicable relations between the two countries was portrayed through the National Flags of India and Thailand, besides a joint cultural exhibition. The exhibition aims at journeying through spiritual and religious tourist places of India. Here, the visitors are being offered immersive experiences of Buddhist heritage sites.

Uttar Pradesh tourism took to social media to share, "The magnanimous pavilion at Buddhabhoomi Bharat Exhibition observed a huge crowd of monks, students, and common citizens."

The visitors were also seen discovering interesting parallels between India and Ayutthaya, like the rich Buddhist heritage and vibrant culture. The Bihar governor explained the significance of Lord Buddha as entwined in Indian roots and emphasised on the importance of practice of harmony and peace in today's world. "Lord Buddha is an icon of compassion and non-violence. India is a sacred land where Lord Buddha got enlightenment"

Following his teachings, India spread the message of ‘Karuna’ and ‘Ahimsa’ to the world.

"It is with this message that we have come to Thailand... This exposition of holy relics will further spread Lord Buddha’s message of love, peace and compassion for all living beings," he said further.

This marks the first-of-its-kind occasion where the relics of Buddha, usually safeguarded at New Delhi's National Museum, along with those of Arahata Sariputra and Arahata Maudgalayana, typically residing at Sanchi, have journeyed to Thailand.