In a momentous occasion for the Union Territory of Ladakh, the revered Piprahwa relics of Tathagata Buddha arrived in Leh today, igniting deep spiritual fervour among local devotees. The Lieutenant Governor of UT Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, warmly welcomed these sacred relics at the Technical Area, Leh Airport, as they journeyed from New Delhi, where they were originally preserved.
The arrival marked the beginning of a historic spiritual celebration. Traditional performances, ceremonial honours, and sacred rituals graced the reception ceremony. The relics, traditionally housed in Delhi, were transported by Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche and Khenpo Thinlas Chosal of Matho Monastery via a special Air Force aircraft.
Various prominent religious and public figures were present for the occasion, including Khamtak Rinpoche, Rigyal Rinpoche, President of the Ladakh Gonpa Association Ven. Dorje Stanzin, and President of the Ladakh Buddhist Association Chering Dorjey Lakruk. Former Members of Parliament Thupstan Chewang and Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, along with representatives from diverse social, religious, and political organisations, also attended the auspicious event.
The Ladakh Police provided a ceremonial guard of honour, while local 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 in the region.
Following the reception, the relics were taken in an impressive procession to Jivetsal, the designated venue for public exposition starting May 1, coinciding with the 2569th Buddha Purnima. Community participation was overwhelming, as thousands of faithful, dressed in traditional attire, lined the streets leading to Jivetsal.
Lieutenant Governor Saxena described the occasion as profoundly auspicious and noted the relational significance of this event for the region. He confirmed that while the relics had been displayed internationally in the past, this marks their first exposition within India after leaving their place of preservation. He expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi for selecting Ladakh for this significant event and encouraged residents to come forth to seek blessings from Lord Buddha.
Globally, the Piprahwa relics of Lord Buddha have captured hearts, having been showcased in various countries like Thailand, Mongolia, and Myanmar, among others. In Ladakh, the relics will remain available for public veneration at Jivetsal from May 2 to May 10. Following their stay in Leh, they will be exhibited in Zanskar on May 11 and 12, before concluding their visit at the Dharma Centre in Leh from May 13 to 14. They will return to Delhi on May 15.
Significant figures, including the Minister of Home Affairs and Cooperation, Amit Shah, and various union ministers, along with Chief Ministers of Buddhist-majority states and representatives from Buddhist organisations, will visit Leh to participate in the veneration of these holy relics.
The Piprahwa relics have recently gained renewed significance. After 127 years of colonial possession, a substantial collection of gemstones and offerings associated with the relics returned to India in July 2025 from a British family and a private collection.
In preparation for the anticipated influx of devotees and tourists, the Lieutenant Governor has overseen extensive beautification and infrastructure measures across Leh. Initiatives such as plantation drives, flower pot placements, and city-wide cleanliness campaigns have been implemented to ensure a pleasant and spiritually enriching experience for all visitors.
