Jammu, 29 April (H.S.): Amid deep spiritual fervour and an atmosphere imbued with devotion, the holy Piprahwa relics of Tathagatha Buddha arrived in Leh today, marking the commencement of a historic spiritual celebration in the Union Territory of Ladakh. The Lieutenant Governor of UT Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, accorded a warm and reverential welcome to the sacred relics upon their arrival at the Technical Area, Leh Airport, from New Delhi, where the Holy Relics are originally preserved.

Traditional performances, ceremonial honours, and sacred rituals marked the reception ceremony. The relics, brought from Delhi by Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche and Khenpo Thinlas Chosal of Matho Monastery in a special Air Force aircraft, were received by the Lieutenant Governor in the presence of prominent religious and public figures, including Khamtak Rinpoche, Rigyal Rinpoche, President Ladakh Gonpa Association Ven. Dorje Stanzin, President Ladakh Buddhist Association Chering Dorjey Lakruk, former Members of Parliament Thupstan Chewang and Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, former CEC LAHDC Leh Tashi Gyalson, and representatives of various social, religious and political organisations.

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

Following the ceremonial reception, the relics were taken in a grand procession to Jivetsal, the designated venue for public exposition, beginning May 1, which marks the 2569th Buddha Purnima. The event witnessed overwhelming community participation from across Ladakh, reflecting unity, faith, and collective reverence, as thousands of devotees, dressed in traditional attire, lined the route up to Jivetsal to catch a glimpse of the sacred relics.

Describing the occasion as highly auspicious, Lieutenant Governor Saxena stated that the arrival of the holy relics has blessed the entire region. He noted that while the relics have been exhibited internationally in the past, this is the first time they have been brought out of their original place of preservation for exposition within India. Saxena expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for choosing Ladakh for this sacred event and highlighted the region’s deep-rooted connection with Buddhism and spirituality. He also urged people to participate in large numbers to seek the blessings of Lord Buddha.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar