Archive · 6 Nov 2025
Sarnath Holds Grand Shobha Yatra for Buddha Relics on Kartik Purnima
Imagine a very special parade for Buddha's ancient belongings!
On a holiday called Kartik Purnima, thousands of people from different countries and parts of India came to a place called Sarnath.
This is where Buddha gave his first important teachings.
They saw a parade with a golden box holding Buddha's bone relics.
The box was on a decorated elephant, and people walked with monks, singing happy songs.
These relics are very special and are only shown on a couple of holidays each year.
Many people visit Sarnath now, and leaders say it's becoming a very important place for Buddhist travelers.
Thousands of devotees gathered in Sarnath for a grand Shobha Yatra of Buddha's sacred relics on Kartik Purnima.
The event also marked the 94th anniversary of the Mulagandha Kuti Vihara, where Buddha delivered his first sermon.
Over 22,000 devotees from countries like Thailand, Sri Lanka, and across India visited Sarnath for the occasion.
The relics, kept in a golden casket atop an elephant, were paraded through Sarnath.
Sarnath is noted as a growing global center for Buddhist pilgrimage, with a significant increase in visitors.
- Who
- Thousands of devotees from India and Buddhist nations, monks, nuns, and schoolchildren participated.
- What
- A grand Shobha Yatra (procession) of Lord Buddha's sacred relics was held.
- When
- Yesterday, on the occasion of Kartik Purnima.
- Where
- Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India, starting from Mulagandha Kuti Vihara.
- Why
- To commemorate Kartik Purnima and the 94th anniversary of Mulagandha Kuti Vihara, and for devotees to pay homage to the sacred relics.
- Event
- Shobha Yatra of Lord Buddha's sacred relics and 94th anniversary of Mulagandha Kuti Vihara
- Occasion
- Kartik Purnima
- Date
- Yesterday (relative to article publication)
- Location
- Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Organizers
- Maha Bodhi Society of India, Sarnath Centre
- Relics Displayed
- Twice a year (Buddha Purnima and Kartik Purnima)