The holy relics of Lord Buddha arrived in Ladakh on Wednesday ahead of a major exposition beginning May 1. Titled ‘The Sacred Exposition of the Holy Relics of the Tathagata,’ it’s the first such exposition ever where the relics of Buddha are being taken anywhere.
Talking to the media after receiving the holy relics in Leh, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena called it a historic moment for the followers of Buddhism and Ladakh, according to All India Radio (AIR).
Titled ‘The Sacred Exposition of the Holy Relics of the Tathagata,’ it’s set to begin on May 1, on the occasion of the 2569th Vesak Buddha Purnima. The relics originate from Piprahwa, in Uttar Pradesh, which is identified with Kapilavastu, the ancient capital of the Shakya clan to which the Buddha belonged.
The exposition is set to go on till May 15, during which the relics are set to travel through several places. Among the sites that will host the exposition are the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre, the Dharma Centre at the historic Leh Palace, and the teaching ground of Jive-Tsal. Between May 11 and 12, they will also travel to the Zanskar Valley.
The exposition is expected to be among the largest congregations of Buddhist communities India has ever hosted. Among the top dignitaries who will participate in the exposition is Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Notably, his visit comes prior to the talks between the Centre and Ladakh that are set to resume on May 22. The region saw widespread protests last year over demands including statehood and greater autonomy under Schedule VI of the Constitution.