The relic, preserved in a crystallized state after Thich Quang Duc’s self-immolation, will be transferred from its secured vault at the State Bank of Vietnam to the Vietnamese National Buddhist Temple. Venerable Thich Tam Hai, Deputy Head of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha’s Information and Communication Committee, confirmed the schedule Saturday, noting that worship will begin at 2:00 p.m. on May 6.


Overwhelming Pilgrim Response

Organizers report unprecedented interest, with more than 1,088 registered delegations—totaling nearly 50,000 individuals—set to pay homage. The event was initially planned for May 3 but postponed due to logistical preparations, according to the Buddhist Sangha.

Adding to the spiritual significance, a separate sarira (relic) of the Buddha, recently brought from India, will also be displayed at Thanh Tam Pagoda in the Buddhist Academy. It has been open for veneration since dawn on Saturday.


The Legacy of a Martyr

Born Lam Van Tuat in 1897 in Khanh Hoa Province, Thich Quang Duc became a global symbol of resistance on June 11, 1963, when he set himself alight at a Saigon intersection (now Nguyen Dinh Chieu - Cach Mang Thang Tam junction). His act, witnessed by thousands, protested the anti-Buddhist policies of South Vietnam’s U.S.-backed President Ngo Dinh Diem.

Miraculously, his heart remained intact after cremation, hardening into a sacred relic. Initially kept at Xa Loi Pagoda, it was later moved to the State Bank for preservation. The relic’s enduring form is revered as a testament to spiritual resolve.


A Vesak of Remembrance

The exhibition coincides with Vesak, which celebrates the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and passing. For Vietnamese Buddhists, Thich Quang Duc’s relic embodies the ideals of compassion and courage central to the festival.

As pilgrims prepare to gather, the event underscores Buddhism’s enduring role in Vietnam’s cultural identity—and the power of one monk’s sacrifice to inspire generations.