Piprahwa relics of Buddha arrive in Leh

Leh, Apr 29 : The sacred Piprahwa relics of the Buddha was accorded a ceremonial reception on arrival in Leh on Wednesday, as people poured out of their homes and gathered along the roads to pay respect.

The reception ceremony, with religious figures and government officials in attendance, witnessed traditional performances, ceremonial honours and sacred rituals, reflecting the region’s rich Buddhist heritage.

This marks the beginning of marking a rare and significant spiritual occasion in the Union Territory of Ladakh with an exposition for the public to be held in the first two weeks of May.

Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena accorded a ceremonial welcome to the sacred relics at the Technical Area of Leh airport after they were flown in from New Delhi, where they are preserved.

The relics were brought to Leh in a special Indian Air Force aircraft by Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche and Khenpo Thinlas Chosal of Matho Monastery.

Several prominent religious and public figures were present on the occasion: 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, former Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Leh Tashi Gyalson, and representatives of various social, religious and political organisations.

The Ladakh Police presented a ceremonial guard of honour, while monks offered special prayers. Saxena offered ‘khataks’ and prayers on behalf of the people of Ladakh.

Following the reception, the relics were taken in a grand procession to Jivetsal, the designated venue for public exposition starting May 1 that coincides with Buddha Purnima this year.

As the sacred relics arrived in Leh, men, women and elderly residents stepped out of their homes and gathered along roads. They stood in quiet reverence, many holding bouquets, while others folded their hands in prayer as the procession passed.

With heads slightly bowed and hands joined, devotees offered their respects in silence, creating a deeply spiritual and moving atmosphere across the town.

Thousands of devotees from across Ladakh, dressed in traditional attire, lined the route to catch a glimpse of the relics, underscoring widespread faith and unity in the region.

Describing the occasion as highly auspicious, the lieutenant governor said the arrival of the relics has blessed Ladakh. He noted that while the relics have been exhibited internationally in several countries, this is the first time they have been brought out from their original place of preservation for exposition within India.

Saxena also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for choosing Ladakh for the event and highlighted the region’s deep-rooted connection with Buddhism. He urged people to participate in large numbers to seek blessings of Lord Buddha.