The Holy Relics of Lord Buddha and His Two Disciples were Enshrined today for public veneration at the specially built Mandapam at Sanam Luang Pavilion in Bangkok with great reverence and amidst Holy Chanting.

The Governor of Bihar Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar handed over the Holy Relics of Buddha to Thai Prime Minister (Chairman),  Srettha Thavisin, while those of Arahants Sariputra & Maha Maudgalayana were handed over by Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar to the Thai Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thepsutin and Thai Culture Minister for enshrining in the mandapa.

On this occasion, an exhibition set up by States of UP and MP Govt. “Buddhabhoomi Bharat” organised to showcase spiritual and religious Tourist places in India was also inaugurated on by the Governor of Bihar, Union Minister and Thai Culture Minister. 

Speaking on the occasion, Governor of Bihar, Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar said that he feels blessed to be part of this grand ceremony organised in Thailand for exposition of the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha and his two Disciples.

He said Lord Buddha is an icon of compassion and Non-violence. He further stated India is a sacred land where Lord Buddha got enlightened and following his teachings India has always given to the world message of ‘Karuna’ and ‘Ahimsa’ and it is with this message that we have come to Thailand.

He emphasised that Practice of Peace and harmony is most important in today’s world. This exposition of holy relics will further spread Lord Buddha’s message of love, peace and compassion for all living beings.

He hoped that bilateral relations between India and Thailand will Attain a new height with this exposition.

The Thai Culture Minister expressed gratitude to Indian Govt for giving an opportunity to Thailand for exposition of holy relics and said that Thailand will make all efforts to spread Lord Buddha’s message for mankind. DG, Culture and Tourism Ministry, Govt of UP made a presentation on religious and spiritual tourist places and the measures taken by the Govt to facilitate the tourists thronging in the country from all over the world.

Earlier during the day, Governor of Bihar Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar who is heading the delegation of Lord Buddha's Exposition in Thailand visited  Wat Pho temple in Bangkok where he presented a Set of 108 volumes of Mongolian Kangyur (Tri Pitika - Buddhist cannon) & 26 books on Buddhism by Prof Satya Vrat Shastri to Most Ven Dr Debvajracharya, Deputy Abbot of Wat Pho.

Most Ven is an illustrious alumni of Pune University. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar also paid his homage to the giant statue of Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho temple. 

The Governor and Most Ven discussed the cultural connection between Thailand and India, where the latter described India as his second home.