On Thursday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will arrive in Ladakh for a two-day visit, timed with a landmark spiritual event. The international exposition of sacred relics of Gautama Buddha begins on 1 May, coinciding with Buddha Purnima.
Sharing his thoughts on X, Shah described his participation in the occasion as a matter of ‘profound good fortune’. He noted that devotees from across the world are expected to gather to pay homage to the relics during the exhibition.
The sacred Piprahwa relics, linked to Gautama Buddha (Tathagata), reached Leh on Wednesday and were welcomed with ceremonial honours. Their arrival marks the start of a major religious observance in the Union Territory.
Vinai Kumar Saxena, Lieutenant Governor, accompanied by senior officials and spiritual leaders, received the relics at Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport.
The Ladakh Police presented a guard of honour, while monks offered prayers, creating an atmosphere of reverence.
LG Saxena stated that the relics have been secured safely before being made accessible to the public. He confirmed that the exposition will formally open on 1 May, the day of Buddha Purnima, in the presence of the Home Minister.
After the reception, the relics were taken in a grand procession to Jivetsal, the designated venue for public display. Thousands of devotees participated, with many lining the route in traditional attire to witness the procession.
Describing the event as highly auspicious, LG Saxena highlighted that the relics had previously been exhibited in several countries before being brought to India. He also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for selecting Ladakh as the host.
Lieutenant Governor Saxena cited the region’s deep-rooted Buddhist heritage as a key reason for the choice.
According to the schedule, the relics will be open for public viewing at Jivetsal from 2 to 10 May. They will then be displayed in Zanskar on 11 and 12 May. This will be followed by an exhibition at the Dharma Centre in Leh from 13 to 14 May. The relics are expected to return to Delhi on 15 May.
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