Leh, Apr 18 (PTI) Ladakh Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena on Saturday reviewed preparations for the holy exposition of sacred Buddha relics in the Union Territory, describing the event as a significant opportunity to place Ladakh on the global map.
Chairing a meeting to review preparations for the exposition of the holy relics of Tathagata Buddha, the LG assessed infrastructure readiness, including power supply and availability of toilets and drinking water, and directed departments to expedite preparations.
As scheduled, the sacred relics are expected to arrive in Leh on April 29 and will be welcomed with a grand ceremony.
The 2569th Buddha Purnima will be celebrated on May 1 at Jivetsal, followed by public exposition of the relics from May 2 to May 9.
The relics will then be taken to Zanskar on May 11 and 12, and subsequently displayed at the Dharma Centre in Choglamsar on May 13 and 14, before returning to Delhi on May 15.
The LG also visited Jivetsal, along with representatives from the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre, to assess arrangements and issue necessary directions.
In addition to the main exposition, a series of parallel events will be organised across Ladakh. These include exhibitions of Buddhist artefacts and scriptures at the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies and Leh Palace, meditation and yoga sessions, medical health camps, and interfaith dialogues at the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre.
Major conferences and seminars on themes such as International Conference on Himalayan Buddhism, Peace in Times of Conflict, and the Past, Present and Future of Buddhism in Ladakh will also be held, an official release said.