Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Wednesday said the public display of the sacred relics of Gautama Buddha in Ladakh on the occasion of Buddha Purnima will be a historic moment for the region.
The relics will be open for public darshan from May 1 to May 15.
In a post on X, Shah described the opportunity as rare and said he felt privileged to pay his respects to the holy relics.
To ensure smooth access for devotees, the Home Minister chaired a meeting with the Lieutenant Governor, local leaders and senior officials of Ladakh.
The exposition is being organised by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the Union Territory administration of Ladakh and the International Buddhist Confederation. It is expected to witness participation from international delegations, ambassadors, eminent Rinpoches, Union ministers and chief ministers.
The 15-day programme will feature public veneration of the relics, processions and traditional ceremonies, along with parallel events such as meditation sessions, yoga camps, cultural performances, exhibitions and conferences on Himalayan Buddhism.
Key venues include the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre, Dharma Centre, Leh Palace and the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies. The exposition will also extend to Zanskar on May 11 and 12. The closing ceremony is scheduled in Leh on May 14, followed by the departure of the relics on May 15.
