The enshrinement of the Buddha's relics at Chuong Pagoda (Hung Yen City) represents not only a momentous spiritual event that spreads messages of compassion and peace to all people, but also serves as an occasion for cultural exchange, affirming Hung Yen province's increasingly significant role on the national and regional map of cultural and spiritual tourism....

The enshrinement of the Buddha's relics at Chuong Pagoda (Hung Yen City) represents not only a momentous spiritual event that spreads messages of compassion and peace to all people, but also serves as an occasion for cultural exchange, affirming Hung Yen province's increasingly significant role on the national and regional map of cultural and spiritual tourism....

Monks from Bhutan paying respects to the Buddha's relics

Disseminating Humanistic Values

During the two days of May 28th and 29th, at Chuong Pagoda, hundreds of thousands of people patiently queued for hours to bow their heads in reverence before the silver reliquary containing the sacred relics of the Buddha. The veneration of the Buddha's relics transcends mere religious ritual; it represents a rare opportunity for monks, nuns, Buddhist practitioners, and ordinary citizens alike to find inner peace, nurture faith, and cultivate compassionate hearts.

The populace queued reverently to pay homage to the Buddha's relics

Venerable Thich Dam Thuan (Hanoi) explained that the pagoda organized visits for Buddhist practitioners to venerate the Buddha's relics, thereby contributing to the dissemination of faith in the noble values of compassion and benevolence. This occasion serves to demonstrate reverence and practice the Buddha's teachings on compassion, wisdom, and moral values.

Mr. Nguyen Van Ca (Hung Yen City) shared: "Venerating the Buddha's relics has helped me gain deeper understanding of Buddhist teachings, enabling me to educate my children and grandchildren to actively perform good deeds, live and work according to the law, and strive toward noble humanistic values."

Ms. Bui Thi Huyen (Hanoi) reflected: "After venerating the Buddha's relics, I felt positive energy, experiencing inner peace and purity, gaining additional motivation and enthusiasm to continue working and contributing to the development of our homeland and country."

Most Venerable Thich Thanh Phong, Vice Chairman of the Central Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and Abbot of Vinh Nghiem Pagoda (Ho Chi Minh City), emphasized: "The journey of enshrining the Buddha's relics in Vietnam generally, and in Hung Yen specifically, has attracted the participation of millions of monks, nuns, Buddhist practitioners, and citizens. This once again affirms the freedom of religion and belief in Vietnam..."

Elevating Status on the Cultural and Spiritual Tourism Map

The ceremonial escort of the Buddha's relics from India to Vietnam takes place within the framework of the United Nations Vesak Day 2025, a momentous event attracting millions of Buddhists and citizens from all regions of the country.

Pilgrims assembled to venerate the Buddha's relics

During the two days when the Buddha's relics were enshrined at Chuong Pagoda, hundreds of thousands of visitors came to pay their respects. Among them were people from various provinces and cities including Hanoi, Thai Nguyen, and Son La. Additionally, delegations of monks and nuns from Bhutan and India came to pay homage. The event has become a major religious activity of particular significance, serving to introduce and promote Chuong Pagoda to the people and visitors—a temple renowned as the "Premier Sacred Site" within the Pho Hien National Special Relic Complex. Simultaneously, it provides an opportunity to showcase the distinctive cultural values of Pho Hien - Hung Yen and present the image of hospitable and friendly Hung Yen people.

Ms. Phan Thi Hac (Bac Ninh) shared: "Our Buddhist group consists of 30 members, all hoping to take advantage of venerating the Buddha's relics to visit and admire the ancient Chuong Pagoda along with many other relics in Pho Hien. However, due to the large crowds today and the ceremonial tents erected in the pagoda grounds, we were unable to explore extensively. Our entire group has agreed to arrange time to return to Pho Hien - Hung Yen once more."

Mr. Pham Van Bong (Hai Phong) noted that transportation infrastructure in Hung Yen has been invested in and expanded in recent years, making travel from neighboring provinces and cities to Hung Yen much easier and more convenient. Furthermore, the thorough preparation for the ceremony was well-ensured, leading his family to decide to come venerate the Buddha's relics in Hung Yen.

Ms. Pham Thi Hao (Hai Phong) shared: "Every year I visit Hung Yen to worship at various temples and shrines such as Tran Temple, Mau Temple, and now to attend the Ceremony of Honoring and Enshrining the Buddha's Relics. Each time, I am impressed by the organizational work at the heritage sites. Security is well-maintained, cleanliness is ensured, and the people are hospitable, friendly, and dedicated to supporting visitors. In the future, Hung Yen will be one of my family's regular destinations, especially during festival seasons."

Most Venerable Thich Thanh Phong observed: "I believe Hung Yen fully possesses the conditions and capabilities to organize major events, national ceremonies, and international celebrations. This event, combined with the innovations and developments of recent times, confirms that the image and status of Hung Yen—once praised as 'First in Kinh Ky, second in Pho Hien'—on the cultural and spiritual tourism map continues to be increasingly affirmed."

Phạm Hà

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