Amid deep spiritual fervour, the holy Piprahwa relics of Tathagata Buddha arrived in Leh today, starting a historic celebration in the Union Territory of Ladakh. The Lieutenant Governor of UT Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, warmly welcomed the relics at the Technical Area, Leh Airport, from New Delhi, their original place of preservation.
The reception ceremony featured traditional performances, ceremonial honours, and sacred rituals. Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche and Khenpo Thinlas Chosal of Matho Monastery transported the relics via a special Air Force aircraft. Prominent religious and public figures, including Khamtak Rinpoche and former Members of Parliament, attended the arrival.
The Ladakh Police presented a ceremonial guard of honour, while monks performed special prayers. Saxena offered khataks and prayers on behalf of Ladakh’s residents, invoking peace and well-being for all.
Following the reception, a grand procession took the relics to Jivetsal, the venue for public exposition, starting May 1, which marks the 2569th Buddha Purnima. Thousands of devotees dressed in traditional attire lined the route, reflecting unity, faith, and reverence.
Describing the occasion as highly auspicious, Lieutenant Governor Saxena stated that the relics’ arrival blesses the region. He highlighted that while the relics have previously been exhibited internationally, this marks the first time they have been displayed within India. Saxena expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for choosing Ladakh for this sacred event and urged people to participate en masse to seek blessings from Lord Buddha.
The sacred Piprahwa relics of Lord Buddha have garnered worldwide attention over the years, having been exhibited in countries like Thailand, Mongolia, and Bhutan. In Ladakh, devotees can venerate the relics at Jivetsal from May 2 to May 10. Subsequently, the relics will be in Zanskar on May 11-12 and at the Dharma Centre in Leh from May 13-14 before returning to Delhi on May 15.
High-profile figures, including Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah and various union ministers, will visit Leh for the veneration, highlighting the importance of this spiritual event.
The significance of the Piprahwa relics has increased recently. In July 2025, a collection of associated gems and offerings returned to India after 127 years in colonial possession, adding to the relics’ historical value.
To accommodate the expected influx of devotees and tourists, the Lieutenant Governor has closely monitored preparations, directing beautification and infrastructure improvements throughout Leh. This includes plantation drives, flower pot placements, and cleanliness initiatives to ensure a pleasant, spiritually enriching experience for visitors.