Leh
Over 1.18 Lakh devotees flock to Leh as sacred Buddha relics exposition creates history in Ladakh
The Sacred Exposition of the Holy Buddha relics in Ladakh recently concluded at the Dharma Centre in Leh, drawing people from all walks of life who gathered to pay their final respects to Lord Buddha.
Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena, attended the closing ceremony of the 14-day Sacred Grand Exposition of the Holy Relics of the Tathāgata at the Dharma Centre in Choglamsar.
The concluding ceremony coincided with the sacred Monlam Chenmo, the annual Great Prayer Festival of Ladakh dedicated to world peace and universal harmony, which also formed the central theme of the exposition. The festival witnessed the participation of thousands of monks, nuns, revered Rinpoches, and devotees. Sacred mask dances, or Chhams, were performed by monks on the occasion, adding to the spiritual fervour.
The exposition witnessed an overwhelming response, with devotees from across Ladakh, various parts of India, and abroad participating in large numbers. More than 1,18,000 devotees paid obeisance to the Holy Relics during the 14-day period, making it one of the largest spiritual gatherings ever organised in the Union Territory of Ladakh.
The Holy Relics were formally inaugurated for public exposition on May 1, 2026, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of the 2569th Buddha Purnima, by Union Minister of Home Affairs and Cooperation, Amit Shah, at Jivetsal in Leh.
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Shah also visited Ladakh for two days, reflecting the Government of India’s commitment to promoting the region’s rich Buddhist heritage and spiritual traditions.
Lieutenant Governor Saxena stated that the exposition was not only a profound spiritual occasion but also a symbol of cultural unity and harmony. He remarked that Ladakh appeared blessed by Lord Buddha himself, and that the spiritual energy generated during the exposition would continue to inspire the people.
He further said that religious leaders, monks, historians, scholars, researchers, pilgrims, and tourists from India and abroad participated in the event, transforming Ladakh into a global spiritual destination.
“The sacred relics of Lord Buddha will return tomorrow to the National Museum in Delhi, but their blessings will remain here forever. Let us together establish Ladakh as a global centre of peace, contemplation, and spiritual awakening,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He also appreciated the people of Ladakh for standing in long queues for hours with discipline, patience, and devotion to seek blessings from the sacred relics, emphasizing that the success of the event would not have been possible without public cooperation.
The Lieutenant Governor thanked the venerable Rinpoches, the Ladakh Buddhist Association, the All Ladakh Gonpa Association, and officials of the UT Administration, Indian Army, Indian Air Force, ITBP, and Ladakh Police for their invaluable support in ensuring the successful conduct of the exposition.
The event witnessed participation from several distinguished dignitaries, including the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Pema Khandu, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, ambassadors of Sri Lanka and Thailand, Members of Parliament, senior Buddhist leaders, monks, scholars, and international pilgrims.
The arrival of the Holy Relics in Leh on April 29 was met with an emotional response from the public, with thousands of residents dressed in traditional attire lining the roads from Leh Airport to Jivetsal to accord a grand welcome. Devotees from remote villages, monasteries, and border regions travelled long distances to participate in the exposition.
The Holy Relics remained on public display at Jivetsal in Leh for nine days before being taken to Karsha Gonpa in Zanskar on May 11 and 12. Special prayers, cultural programmes, conferences, and spiritual activities were also organised throughout the exposition.
His Eminence Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche stated that the people of Ladakh are fortunate to have had the opportunity to seek blessings from the sacred relics of the Tathāgata Buddha, and expressed gratitude to the Government of India, the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena, and all concerned agencies and organisations for making the event a grand success.
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