Vietnamese President Visits Bodh Gaya, Receives Grand Welcome

The President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, To Lam, arrived in Bodh Gaya on Tuesday for a one-day visit, receiving a warm and ceremonial welcome from top state officials. He landed at Gaya Airport around 11 a.m. aboard a special aircraft, accompanied by a 120-member delegation. Upon arrival, he was received by Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, Governor Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Syed Ata Hasnain, Chief Secretary Pratyay Amrit, and Director General of Police Vinay Kumar. Tight security arrangements were in place as the presidential convoy proceeded directly to the Mahabodhi Temple.

At the temple complex, the President was accorded a traditional welcome by Bodh Gaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC) officials, including Secretary Dr. Mahashweta Maharathi, Senior monk Dr. Manoj Thero and senior Buddhist monks. He offered prayers in the sanctum sanctorum, presenting flowers to Lord Buddha while monks chanted sacred hymns. He also lit incense sticks and candles as a mark of reverence.

President To Lam spent time meditating under the sacred Bodhi Tree and performed three circumambulations of the temple along with his delegation. Officials briefed him on the historical and spiritual significance of the seven sacred sites within the Mahabodhi Temple premises. As a gesture of goodwill, the BTMC presented him with a framed Bodhi leaf and a stupa crafted from sacred wood. Later, he visited the Vietnam Buddhist Monastery, where he offered prayers and planted bamboo and banyan saplings. After a brief stay of about 25 minutes at the monastery, the President returned to Gaya Airport and departed for New Delhi at 1:40 p.m. Senior administrative officials were also present during the visit.