Union Minister Kiren Rijiju visited Samten Hills Dalat in Vietnam, home to the world’s largest prayer wheel, during his official tour as part of a high-level Indian delegation accompanying the Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha for the United Nations Day of Vesak celebrations.
Sharing his experience on social media platform X, Rijiju wrote, “Happy to visit Samten Hills Dalat in Vietnam. It has the World’s Largest Prayer Wheel Drigung Kagyu Rinchen Khorchen Khorwe Go Gek. Humbled to be part of a bond that transcends time, geography & language.” He also shared a night-time image of the site.
The Holy Relics arrived in Ho Chi Minh City on May 5, 2025, via a special aircraft from India. The Indian delegation, which included Andhra Pradesh Minister Kandula Durgesh, monks, and senior officials, escorted the relics from Sarnath. The group was warmly received by the Government of Vietnam and the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha.
According to the Ministry of Culture, the relics will be displayed to the public in Ho Chi Minh City until May 7, before travelling to Tay Ninh, Hanoi, and Ha Nam. The exhibition, organised in collaboration with the National Museum of India and the International Buddha Confederation, will run until May 21, 2025.
The visit highlights the shared spiritual heritage between India and Vietnam and aims to promote the message of peace, compassion, and harmony taught by Lord Buddha.
