Buddha Purnima is among the most significant days in Ladakh, particularly in the Buddhist-majority Leh district. This year, however, the occasion held added spiritual significance as sacred relics of Lord Buddha, brought from Delhi on Wednesday, were opened for public exposition on Friday, i.e., May 1, during the 2569th Buddha Purnima celebrations.
The relics, preserved at the National Museum in New Delhi, originate from Piprahwa in Uttar Pradesh, a site identified with Kapilavastu, the ancient capital of the Shakya clan into which the Buddha was born.
The exposition was inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah at Jivetsal, a prominent venue where the 14th Dalai Lama often addresses gatherings in Ladakh.
Highlighting the region’s Buddhist heritage, Shah said, “When the Dalai Lama comes here, he says that this land is not merely geographical but a living laboratory of Buddhist culture and compassion.” He added that whenever Buddhism faced challenges, Ladakh had helped preserve Lord Buddha’s message.
The significance of the moment was evident as large crowds gathered for a glimpse of the relics, bowing before them in reverence.
“These are the bodily relics of Lord Buddha. People believe that by seeing them, they have seen the Buddha himself,” Chering Dorjay Lakrook, president of the Ladakh Buddhist Association, told The WEEK, explaining the deep reverence attached to the exposition.
This is not the first time the sacred relics have come to Ladakh. They were last brought to the region in 1951, though many were unable to witness them then because connectivity was limited. In his address, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the relics’ arrival would inspire followers of Buddhism as well as people of other faiths.
After Leh, the relics will next travel to Zanskar Valley on May 11 and 12 before returning to Leh on May 13. The exposition is set to conclude on May 15 with a closing procession.
After Leh, the relics will go to Zanskar Valley from May 11-12, before returning to Leh on May 13. The exposition will end on May 15, with a concluding procession.
“Initially, we had requested the government to extend the exposition by 15 more days so it could continue for the entire month,” said Dr Padma Gurmet, a member of the coordination committee for the Ladakh exposition, reflecting the significance the event carries.
Public enthusiasm has been evident since the relics reached Leh on Wednesday, with people lining roads to catch a glimpse. “It was a magical moment,” said Dawa, a taxi driver. “As the relics arrived, it suddenly began to rain, while the sun was still out, and a beautiful rainbow appeared in the sky.”
Even as Ladakh is immersed in a spiritual atmosphere, political temperatures are expected to rise with stalled talks between Ladakh leaders and the Centre set to resume on May 22. Union Home Minister’s two-day visit is also being viewed as significant ahead of the discussions. Key demands include statehood and constitutional safeguards for Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule. The region witnessed widespread protests over these issues last year.