Leh: Amid an atmosphere of devotion and spiritual fervour, the sacred Piprahwa relics of Gautama Buddha arrived in Leh on Tuesday, marking the beginning of a significant spiritual event in the Union Territory of Ladakh.
The relics were accorded a ceremonial welcome by Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena at the Technical Area of Leh Airport, where traditional performances, rituals, and ceremonial honours were held. The relics were brought from New Delhi, where they are originally preserved, by Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche and Khenpo Thinlas Chosal of Matho Monastery in a special Indian Air Force aircraft.
The reception ceremony was attended by prominent religious and public figures, including Khamtak Rinpoche, Rigyal Rinpoche, President of the Ladakh Gonpa Association Ven. Dorje Stanzin, President of the Ladakh Buddhist Association Chering Dorjey Lakruk, former Members of Parliament Thupstan Chewang and Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, former Chief Executive Councillor LAHDC Leh Tashi Gyalson, along with representatives of various social, religious, and political organisations.
The Ladakh Police presented a ceremonial guard of honour, while monks performed special prayers. Lieutenant Governor Saxena offered khataks and prayers on behalf of the people of Ladakh, invoking peace, harmony, and well being for all.
Following the reception, the relics were taken in a grand procession to Jivetsal, the designated venue for public exposition. Thousands of devotees, dressed in traditional attire, lined the route to catch a glimpse of the sacred relics, reflecting strong community participation and collective reverence.
The exposition at Jivetsal will begin on May 1, coinciding with the 2569th Buddha Purnima. The relics will remain available for public veneration in Leh from May 2 to May 10. Thereafter, they will be displayed in Zanskar on May 11 and 12, followed by exposition at the Dharma Centre in Leh from May 13 to May 14, before being flown back to New Delhi on May 15.
Describing the occasion as highly auspicious, Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena said the arrival of the relics has blessed the entire region. He noted that while the relics have been exhibited internationally in countries such as Thailand, Mongolia, Vietnam, Russia, Singapore, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar, this is the first time they have been brought out of their original place of preservation for exposition within India. He also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for choosing Ladakh as the venue for the event and highlighted the region’s deep rooted spiritual and cultural connection with Buddhism. He urged people to participate in large numbers and seek the blessings of the Buddha.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, along with other Union Ministers, ambassadors, Chief Ministers of Buddhist majority states, and representatives of various Buddhist organisations, is expected to visit Leh during the veneration period.
The Piprahwa relics have gained renewed global significance in recent years. After remaining in colonial possession for over 127 years, a significant collection of associated gems and offerings was repatriated to India in July 2025 from a British family and a private collection.
In anticipation of a large influx of devotees and tourists, the administration has undertaken extensive preparations across Leh. On the directions of the Lieutenant Governor, beautification measures including plantation drives, installation of flower pots, and city wide cleanliness initiatives have been carried out to ensure a pleasant and spiritually enriching experience for visitors.
The event is being seen as a major spiritual milestone for Ladakh, drawing together religious leaders, officials, and thousands of devotees in a shared expression of faith and reverence.
