Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin presided over the ceremony on Friday evening, which marked this year’s Makha Bucha Day on February 24 and His Majesty the King’s 6th cycle birthday (72nd) anniversary on July 28.
The relics of Sariputra and Maudgalyayana were originally discovered in ancient stupas in Kapilavastu and Sanchi towns in India, respectively. They were transported from the Bangkok National Museum, where they were previously stored, in a procession around Sanam Luang before being placed in the mandapa.
Thailand’s Culture Ministry has offered the Indian government to temporarily enshrine the relics in Thailand from February 22 to March 19. The relics will remain at Sanam Luang until March 3 for devotees in the capital to pay their respects.
