Amid deep spiritual fervour, the holy Piprahwa relics of Tathagata Buddha arrived in Leh today, marking the onset of a historic spiritual celebration in Ladakh. Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena warmly welcomed the sacred relics at Leh Airport, where they were transported from New Delhi.
Traditional performances, ceremonial honours, and sacred rituals made up the reception ceremony. The relics journeyed to Leh under the care of Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche and Khenpo Thinlas Chosal of Matho Monastery, flying in a special Air Force aircraft. The Lieutenant Governor greeted the relics alongside notable religious figures, including Khamtak Rinpoche and representatives from various social, religious, and political organisations.
The Ladakh Police provided a ceremonial guard of honour, enhancing the reverence of the occasion as monks conducted special prayers. In a heartwarming gesture, Lieutenant Governor Saxena offered khataks (ceremonial scarves) and prayers, invoking peace and well-being for all.
Following their ceremonial reception, the relics commenced a grand procession to Jivetsal, the venue for public exposition starting May 1, coinciding with the 2569th Buddha Purnima. Thousands of devotees from across Ladakh participated, showcasing unity, faith, and reverence, as they adorned traditional attire to catch a glimpse of the sacred relics.
Describing this moment as highly auspicious, Lieutenant Governor Saxena stated that the arrival of the holy relics has blessed the region. He emphasized this significant event’s rarity, as it is the first time the relics have been exhibited domestically after being preserved for so long. He also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for selecting Ladakh for this sacred occasion and urged the public to seek the blessings of Lord Buddha through active participation.
The Piprahwa relics have an illustrious history, with past exhibitions in countries like Thailand, Mongolia, and Bhutan, each event drawing global attention and admiration. For the people of Ladakh, the relics will be accessible for public veneration at Jivetsal from May 2 to May 10, with plans for exposition in Zanskar on May 11 and 12, followed by a display at the Dharma Centre in Leh from May 13 to 14. They will return to Delhi on May 15.
High-profile attendees, including the Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah, union ministers, ambassadors, and other leaders from Buddhist-majority states, plan to visit Leh for this veneration, underscoring the event’s cultural and spiritual importance.
Recently, the relics gained renewed global significance. After a long time in colonial possession, a collection of associated gems and offerings returned to India in July 2025 from a private collection in Britain, further enriching the history of these revered remains.
With the influx of devotees and tourists anticipated, Lieutenant Governor Saxena has prioritized preparations, instituting beautification and infrastructure improvements across Leh. Initiatives include plantation drives, flower pot placements, and city-wide cleanliness efforts, ensuring a pleasant, aesthetic, and spiritually enriching experience for all attendees.
