Leh, 29 April (H.S.): The sacred relics of Lord Buddha arrived in Leh via a special Indian Air Force aircraft from New Delhi this morning, accorded head-of-state honors and received with stringent security at the technical airport. Following traditional Buddhist rites by monastic leaders, monks, and officials amid Vedic chants, the relics were transported to Jivetsal in Choglamsar, where they will be on public display from May 1 to 15 coinciding with Buddha Purnima. Union Home Minister Amit Shah will participate in the special ceremonies, joined by chief ministers from various states, ambassadors, and high commissioners.
Thousands lined the 10-km flower-adorned route from Leh airport to Jivetsal, showering petals during the procession. Ladakh Lt Governor Vinay Kumar Saxena called it a historic moment long awaited by the Buddhist community.
Multi-layered security includes Ladakh Police, central paramilitary forces, intelligence agencies, CCTV, and drones.
Facilities feature medical camps, ambulances, water, toilets, public transport, and an integrated command center for real-time monitoring.
Buddha Purnima on May 1 features prayers, meditation, rituals, and Ladakhi cultural performances with phased crowd management. The relics, from Piprahwa stupa in UP (excavated 1898 and confirmed 1971-77), hold immense significance—divided post-parinirvana, redistributed by Ashoka, and exhibited globally including Mongolia, Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Indian sites like Delhi's National Museum, Vadnagar, Mumbai, Patna, Rajgir, Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Amaravati, and Sarnath. Zanskar exhibition follows May 11-12.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
