Starting from 24 February 2024, Buddhists in Thailand and neighboring countries have been invited to pay homage to the holy relics of the Buddha and the holy relics of the Buddha’s two chief disciples, being temporarily enshrined at Sanam Luang ceremonial ground in Bangkok.

The Thai government, together with private organizations, the Bodhigayavijjalaya 980 Institute, and the Government of India transported the holy relics of the Buddha and the holy relics of the Venerable Arahant Sariputta and the Venerable Arahant Moggallana from the Republic of India to be enshrined temporarily in Thailand, from 22 February to 19 March 2024.

This project is part of the celebrations on the auspicious occasion of His Majesty the King's sixth-cycle (72nd) birthday anniversary this year. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi coordinated with the Government of India to facilitate the transport.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this marks the first time that the people of Thailand and her neighboring countries are able to pay respects to the holy relics of the Buddha and the Venerable Arahants of Sariputta and Moggallana, which are known as “Kapilvastu Relics” from Sanchi. This is an important milestone in the promotion of Buddhism and a historical moment in Thailand-India relations.

On 23 February, the Ministry of Culture organized a festive parade to bring the holy relics, which had been placed at the Bangkok National Museum, to be enshrined in a pavilion (mondop) at Sanam Luang. People are invited to pay homage to the holy relics from 24 February, which marks Magha Puja day, until 3 March, from 09.00 to 20.00 hr.

After Bangkok, the holy relics will be enshrined at the Royal Park Rajapruek in the northern province of Chiang Mai from 5 to 8 March, and then at Wat Maha Wanaram in the northeastern province of Ubon Ratchathani from 10 to 13 March, and at Wat Maha That Wachiramongkol in the southern province of Krabi from 15 to 18 March.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Culture, through the Religious Affairs Department, is organizing religious activities at Sanam Luang from 24 to 26 February in observance of Magha Puja, the first major Buddhist anniversary of the year.