Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Friday that this year’s Buddha Purnima is not just a religious occasion but also a historical and cultural moment, as the sacred relics of Lord Buddha have returned to Ladakh after 75 years.
Addressing a large gathering in Leh, Shah extended greetings to the people of Ladakh on the occasion of Buddha Purnima.
He said, “The joy of Buddha Purnima brings with it the enduring message of peace and brotherhood, not only because it marks the birth of Lord Buddha, but also because his sacred relics have returned here after 75 years. When these relics were brought here decades ago, there was little communication, no proper roads, and limited connectivity, which meant only a few people could have ‘darshan’ of them. Today’s occasion is special as a large number of Buddhists from Leh and Kargil, along with followers of other faiths, have gathered to pay their respects.”
“Lord Buddha was born on Buddha Purnima, attained enlightenment on Buddha Purnima, and passed away on the same day. This is an extremely rare occurrence in the life of any spiritual figure,” he added.
The Union Home Minister said that whenever the Dalai Lama visits Ladakh, he describes it as a land of spiritual enlightenment with a unique place in the history of Buddhism.
“Whenever Buddhism faced challenges, hope emerged from Ladakh, and in times of peace, the message of brotherhood and coexistence has resonated from here,” he said.
He added that as part of the historic Silk Route, Ladakh was not only a major trade hub but also a centre for meditation and cultural exchange.
“Ladakh is home to numerous Buddhist relics and continues to be an important pilgrimage destination for Buddhists around the world,” he said.
Further, Shah said, “Lord Buddha’s message remains as relevant today as it was 2,500 years ago.”
-IANS
