LEH: Amid deep spiritual fervour, the holy Piprahwa relics of Tathagatha Buddha arrived in Leh, marking the beginning of a significant spiritual event in the Union Territory of Ladakh.
Lieutenant Governor Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena accorded a ceremonial welcome to the relics at Leh Airport after their arrival from New Delhi. The relics were brought in a special Air Force aircraft by Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche and Khenpo Thinlas Chosal of Matho Monastery.
The reception ceremony featured traditional performances, rituals, and a ceremonial guard of honour by Ladakh Police. Prominent dignitaries present on the occasion included Khamtak Rinpoche, Rigyal Rinpoche, Ladakh Gonpa Association President Dorje Stanzin, Ladakh Buddhist Association President Chering Dorjey Lakruk, former Members of Parliament Thupstan Chewang and Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, and former CEC LAHDC Leh Tashi Gyalson.
Vinai Kumar Saxena offered prayers on behalf of the people, invoking peace and well-being. The relics were later taken in a grand procession to Jivetsal, where they will be displayed for public veneration beginning May 2, coinciding with the 2569th Buddha Purnima.
Thousands of devotees lined the route in traditional attire, reflecting strong faith and community participation. Vinai Kumar Saxena described the occasion as highly auspicious and noted that this is the first time the relics have been brought out of their original place of preservation for exhibition within India.
He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for selecting Ladakh for the event and urged people to participate in large numbers to seek blessings.
The relics will remain available for public viewing at Jivetsal from May 2 to May 10, followed by exhibitions in Zanskar on May 11 and 12, and at the Dharma Centre Leh from May 13 to May 14 before returning to New Delhi on May 15.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, along with other Union Ministers, ambassadors, and representatives of Buddhist organisations, is expected to visit Leh for the occasion.
Authorities have undertaken extensive preparations, including beautification drives and infrastructure arrangements across Leh, to manage the expected influx of devotees and ensure a smooth and spiritually enriching experience.
