New Delhi: In an atmosphere of deep devotion and spiritual fervour, the sacred Piprahwa relics of Gautama Buddha arrived in Leh on Wednesday, marking the beginning of a significant religious event in the Union Territory of Ladakh.
The relics were flown in from New Delhi aboard a special Indian Air Force aircraft, accompanied by Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche and Khenpo Thinlas Chosal of Matho Monastery. They were received by Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, along with prominent religious leaders and public representatives, according to an official statement.
The reception ceremony featured traditional performances, ceremonial honours, and prayers led by monks. A ceremonial guard of honour was presented by the Ladakh Police. Among those present were Khamtak Rinpoche, Rigyal Rinpoche, Ladakh Gonpa Association President Ven. Dorje Stanzin, Ladakh Buddhist Association President, Chering Dorjey Lakruk, former MPs Thupstan Chewang and Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, and former CEC LAHDC Leh Tashi Gyalson, along with representatives from various organisations.
Following the reception, the relics were taken in a grand procession to Jivetsal, where they will be displayed for public viewing starting May 1, coinciding with the 2569th Buddha Purnima. Thousands of devotees lined the route in traditional attire, reflecting strong community participation and reverence.
School children and members of the Tibetan community welcomed the delegation with flowers and greetings, adding to the celebratory mood.
Describing the occasion as highly auspicious, LG Saxena said the arrival of the relics has blessed the region. He noted that while the relics have been exhibited internationally, this marks the first time they have been brought out from their original place of preservation for exposition within India. He also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for selecting Ladakh for the event and urged people to participate in large numbers.
The Piprahwa relics have previously been displayed in countries such as Thailand, Mongolia, Vietnam, Russia, Singapore, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar, attracting widespread devotion.
In Ladakh, the relics will be open for public veneration at Jivetsal from May 2 to May 10, followed by exhibitions in Zanskar on May 11 and 12, and at the Dharma Centre in Leh from May 13 to 14. The relics are scheduled to be flown back to Delhi on May 15.
