Amidst deep spiritual fervour and an atmosphere brimming with devotion, the holy Piprahwa relics of Tathagata Buddha arrived in Leh today. This significant event marks the commencement of a historic celebration in the Union Territory of Ladakh. The Lieutenant Governor of UT Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, warmly welcomed the sacred relics at the Technical Area of Leh Airport.
The holy relics arrived from New Delhi, where they are traditionally preserved. Accompanying the relics were Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche and Khenpo Thinlas Chosal of Matho Monastery, who transported them on a special Air Force aircraft.
The reception ceremony featured traditional performances, ceremonial honours, and sacred rituals. The Lieutenant Governor, joined by notable religious and public figures, including Khamtak Rinpoche and Rigyal Rinpoche, received the relics with great reverence. The President of the Ladakh Gonpa Association, Ven. Dorje Stanzin, and President of the Ladakh Buddhist Association, Chering Dorjey Lakruk, were also present, along with former Members of Parliament Thupstan Chewang and Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, and several representatives from various organisations.
In a solemn gesture, the Ladakh Police accorded a ceremonial guard of honour, while monks performed special prayers. The Lieutenant Governor offered khataks and prayers on behalf of the people of Ladakh, invoking peace and well-being for everyone.
After the ceremonial reception, the relics journeyed in a grand procession to Jivetsal, the venue for public exposition, starting May 1, coinciding with the 2569th Buddha Purnima. This event unified communities across Ladakh, as thousands of devotees, dressed in traditional attire, lined the route to catch a glimpse of the sacred relics.
Expressing the significance of the occasion, Lieutenant Governor Saxena stated that the arrival of the relics has blessed the entire region. He highlighted that while the relics have been displayed internationally, this exposition is the first within India. Saxena thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for selecting Ladakh for this spiritual event and emphasized the region’s profound connection to Buddhism and spirituality. He encouraged people to participate in large numbers to receive the blessings of Lord Buddha.
The sacred Piprahwa relics have traveled globally, previously exhibited in countries like Thailand, Mongolia, Vietnam, Russia, Singapore, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar. In Ladakh, the relics will be available for public veneration at Jivetsal from May 2 to May 10. Following this, there will be expositions in Zanskar on May 11 and 12, and at the Dharma Centre in Leh on May 13 and 14, before flying back to Delhi on May 15.
High-profile visitors will include the Minister of Home Affairs and Cooperation, Amit Shah, along with union ministers, ambassadors, and Chief Ministers from Buddhist-majority states, all set to attend the veneration.
The Piprahwa relics have gained renewed global significance, especially after an important collection of associated gems and offerings was repatriated to India in July 2025, after 127 years in colonial possession.
In preparation for the influx of devotees and tourists, the Lieutenant Governor has been overseeing extensive beautification and infrastructure efforts across Leh. Initiatives such as plantation drives, placement of flower pots, and city-wide cleanliness campaigns aim to create a pleasant and spiritually enriching experience for visitors.
