- Sacred Piprahwa relics of Lord Buddha arrive in Leh, Ladakh, welcomed by LG Vinai Kumar Saxena. Public exposition to begin on Buddha Purnima 2026 with massive participation.
- Holy Relics of Lord Buddha Arrive in Leh Amid Deep Spiritual Fervour
Leh, April 29: In a moment of profound spiritual significance, the sacred Piprahwa relics of Gautama Buddha arrived in Leh today, ushering in a historic religious celebration across the Union Territory of Ladakh. The occasion witnessed an overwhelming atmosphere of devotion, unity, and reverence.
The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, accorded a ceremonial welcome to the sacred relics at the Technical Area of Leh Airport. The relics were transported from New Delhi, where they are originally preserved.
The reception ceremony featured traditional performances, sacred rituals, and ceremonial honours. The relics were brought to Leh aboard a special Indian Air Force aircraft by revered monks, including Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche and Khenpo Thinlas Chosal.
Several prominent figures were present at the ceremony, including spiritual leaders and public representatives such as Khamtak Rinpoche, Rigyal Rinpoche, Ladakh Gonpa Association President Ven. Dorje Stanzin, Ladakh Buddhist Association President Chering Dorjey Lakruk, and former Members of Parliament Thupstan Chewang and Jamyang Tsering Namgyal.
The Ladakh Police presented a ceremonial guard of honour, while monks offered special prayers. The Lieutenant Governor offered khataks and prayed for peace, harmony, and well-being on behalf of the people of Ladakh.
Following the reception, the relics were carried in a grand procession to Jivetsal, the designated site for public exposition. The event saw massive participation, with thousands of devotees lining the route in traditional attire to catch a glimpse of the sacred relics.
Describing the occasion as highly auspicious, Shri Saxena remarked that the arrival of the relics has blessed the entire region. He highlighted that while the relics have been displayed internationally, this marks the first time they are being exhibited within India outside their original place of preservation. He also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for choosing Ladakh for this significant spiritual event.
The public exposition will commence from May 2 to May 10 at Jivetsal, coinciding with the auspicious festival of Buddha Purnima (May 1, marking the 2569th birth anniversary of Buddha). The relics will subsequently be exhibited in Zanskar (May 11–12) and at the Dharma Centre in Leh (May 13–14), before returning to Delhi on May 15.
The sacred Piprahwa relics have previously been exhibited in countries such as Thailand, Mongolia, Vietnam, Russia, Singapore, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar, drawing global reverence. Their significance has further grown after a major collection of associated artefacts was repatriated to India in July 2025 after 127 years.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, along with several Union Ministers, ambassadors, and representatives from Buddhist-majority states, is expected to visit Leh during the exposition period.
To accommodate the anticipated influx of devotees and tourists, the administration has undertaken extensive preparations across Leh, including beautification drives, plantation initiatives, and enhanced cleanliness efforts, ensuring a spiritually enriching experience for visitors.
