Amid deep spiritual fervour, the holy Piprahwa relics of Tathagata Buddha arrived in Leh today, officially commencing a historic spiritual celebration in the Union Territory of Ladakh. The Lieutenant Governor of UT Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, warmly welcomed the sacred relics upon their arrival at Leh Airport from New Delhi, where these relics are preserved.
Traditional performances and ceremonial honours marked the reception ceremony. The relics, brought from Delhi by esteemed monks Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche and Khenpo Thinlas Chosal of Matho Monastery in a special Air Force aircraft, were received by the Lieutenant Governor in the presence of notable religious and public figures. This included Khamtak Rinpoche, Rigyal Rinpoche, President of the Ladakh Gonpa Association Ven. Dorje Stanzin, President of Ladakh Buddhist Association Chering Dorjey Lakruk, along with former Members of Parliament Thupstan Chewang and Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, and several representatives from social, religious, and political organisations.
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 wellbeing for all.
Following the ceremonial reception, the relics embarked on a grand procession towards Jivetsal, the designated venue for public exposition starting May 1, which coincides with the 2569th Buddha Purnima. The event saw overwhelming participation from across Ladakh, showcasing unity and collective reverence as thousands of devotees, dressed in traditional attire, lined the route to Jivetsal to view the sacred relics.
Lieutenant Governor Saxena described the occasion as highly auspicious, stating that the arrival of the holy relics has blessed the entire region. He emphasized that although the relics have been exhibited internationally before, this is their first exposition in India outside their original preservation site. Saxena also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for selecting Ladakh for this sacred event, highlighting the region’s intrinsic connection with Buddhism and spirituality. He encouraged the community to participate in large numbers to seek blessings from Lord Buddha.
The sacred Piprahwa relics have a history of exhibiting globally, having presented their significance in countries including 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, followed by exposition in Zanskar on May 11 and 12, and again at the Dharma Centre in Leh from May 13 to 14 before their return to Delhi on May 15.
The event will also witness visits from key dignitaries, including the Minister of Home Affairs and Cooperation Amit Shah, union ministers, ambassadors, chief ministers from Buddhist-majority states, and various representatives from Buddhist organisations.
In recent years, the Piprahwa relics have gained renewed global significance. After 127 years under colonial hands, a significant collection of associated gems and offerings was repatriated to India in July 2025 from a British family and private collection.
In anticipation of a surge in devotees and tourists, Lieutenant Governor Saxena has closely monitored preparations, directing extensive beautification and infrastructure measures across Leh. Citywide initiatives, including plantation drives and cleanliness efforts, are underway to ensure a pleasant and enriching experience for all visitors.
