Amid deep spiritual fervour, the holy Piprahwa relics of Tathagata Buddha arrived in Leh today. This event marks the beginning of a historic celebration in the Union Territory of Ladakh, drawing thousands of devotees.
The Lieutenant Governor of UT Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, welcomed the sacred relics at the Technical Area, Leh Airport. The relics journeyed from New Delhi, where they are preserved. Prominent figures, including Khamtak Rinpoche and President of the Ladakh Gonpa Association Ven. Dorje Stanzin, attended the reception.
Traditional performances and ceremonial honours adorned the reception ceremony. Monks performed special prayers as Ladakh Police presented a ceremonial guard of honour. The Lieutenant Governor offered khataks and prayers for peace and well-being on behalf of the people of Ladakh.
Following the ceremonial welcome, the relics entered a grand procession to Jivetsal, set to publicly exhibit them from May 1, coinciding with the 2569th Buddha Purnima. Thousands lined the procession route, showcasing unity and faith in reverence for the sacred relics.
Lieutenant Governor Saxena expressed that the arrival of the holy relics blesses the region. He noted that this marks the first time these relics are exhibited within India after previously being displayed internationally. Saxena expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for choosing Ladakh for this significant event, emphasizing the region’s profound ties to Buddhism.
The Piprahwa relics have gained international recognition, having exhibited in several countries such as Thailand, Mongolia, and Russia. In Ladakh, the relics will be venerated at Jivetsal from May 2 to May 10, before continuing to Zanskar on May 11 and 12, and later at the Dharma Centre in Leh.
The event will attract high-profile visitors, including Home Minister Amit Shah, union ministers, and representatives from various Buddhist organisations, further signifying the importance of the occasion.
Significantly, these relics received renewed attention after a collection of associated gems was repatriated to India in July 2025. After over a century of being housed in colonial possession, this collection has been celebrated as a proud return to India.
In preparation for the anticipated influx of pilgrims and tourists, the Lieutenant Governor has directed extensive beautification measures across Leh. Initiatives such as plantation drives and city-wide cleanliness campaigns aim to enhance the visitor experience.
