Deep spiritual fervour, the sacred Piprahwa relics of Tathagata Buddha arrived in Leh on April 29, marking the beginning of a historic spiritual event in the Union Territory of Ladakh.

Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena accorded a warm and reverential welcome to the relics at the Technical Area of Leh Airport after their arrival from New Delhi, where they are preserved.

The reception ceremony featured traditional performances, ceremonial honours, and special prayers. The relics were brought by Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche and Khenpo Thinlas Chosal of Matho Monastery in a special Indian Air Force aircraft.

Several prominent religious and public figures were present on the occasion, including 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 of various organisations.

The Ladakh Police presented a ceremonial guard of honour, while monks performed prayers. The Lieutenant Governor offered khataks and prayers on behalf of the people, invoking peace and well-being.

Following the reception, the relics were taken in a grand procession to Jivetsal, where they will be placed for public exposition beginning May 1, coinciding with the 2569th Buddha Purnima. thousands of devotees, dressed in traditional attire, lined the route to catch a glimpse of the relics.

Describing the occasion as “highly auspicious,” Saxena said the arrival of the relics has blessed the region. He noted that while the relics have been displayed internationally, this is the first time they have been brought out of their original place of preservation for exposition within India. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for selecting Ladakh for the event and urged people to participate in large numbers.

The relics will remain on display at Jivetsal from May 2 to May 10, followed by exposition in Zanskar on May 11 and 12, and at the Dharma Centre in Leh from May 13 to 14. They will be returned to Delhi on May 15.

The Piprahwa relics have been exhibited in several countries, including Thailand, Mongolia, Vietnam, Russia, Singapore, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar, attracting global reverence. In July 2025, a collection of associated relics and offerings was repatriated to India after more than a century in colonial possession.

Authorities have made extensive preparations for the event, including beautification drives and infrastructure upgrades across Leh, to accommodate the expected influx of devotees and tourists.