Sacred Exposition of Holy Buddha Relics Concludes in Leh After Massive Devotee Turnout

The Sacred Exposition of the Holy Relics of Tathāgata Buddha concluded in Leh on Thursday, marking the end of a historic 14-day spiritual event that drew more than 1.18 lakh devotees from across India and abroad. The grand closing ceremony was held at the Dharma Centre in Choglamsar, Leh, in the presence of Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena.

The concluding ceremony coincided with the sacred Monlam Chenmo — Ladakh’s annual Great Prayer Festival dedicated to world peace and universal happiness. Thousands of monks, nuns, revered Rinpoches, and devotees participated in the event, while traditional sacred mask dances, known as Chhams, were performed by monks during the celebrations.

The exposition, regarded as one of the largest spiritual gatherings ever organised in the Union Territory of Ladakh, began on May 1, 2026, on the auspicious occasion of the 2569th Buddha Purnima. Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah inaugurated the public exposition at Jivetsal in Leh and spent two days in Ladakh, highlighting the Government of India’s commitment towards promoting the region’s rich Buddhist heritage and spiritual traditions.

Addressing the gathering, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena described the exposition as a symbol of cultural harmony, spiritual unity, and peace. He said Ladakh appeared “blessed by Lord Buddha himself” and added that the spiritual energy generated during the event would remain with the people forever.

He further noted that monks, historians, scholars, pilgrims, tourists, and spiritual leaders from India and abroad transformed Ladakh into a global spiritual destination during the exposition.

“The sacred relics of Lord Buddha will return tomorrow to the National Museum in Delhi, but their blessings will remain here forever. Let us together establish Ladakh at the global level as a centre of peace, contemplation and spiritual awakening,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

Shri Saxena also praised the people of Ladakh for maintaining discipline, patience, and devotion while standing in long queues for hours to seek blessings from the sacred relics. He thanked religious organisations, including the Ladakh Buddhist Association and All Ladakh Gonpa Association, along with the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, ITBP, Ladakh Police, and UT Administration for ensuring the smooth conduct of the exposition.

Several dignitaries attended the exposition, including Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Pema Khandu, Union Minister Shri Kiren Rijiju, ambassadors from Sri Lanka and Thailand, Members of Parliament, senior Buddhist leaders, scholars, and international pilgrims. The arrival of the Holy Relics in Leh on April 29 had sparked emotional celebrations across Ladakh. Thousands of residents dressed in traditional attire lined the roads from Leh Airport to Jivetsal to welcome the relics. Devotees from remote villages, monasteries, and border areas travelled long distances to seek blessings during the event.

The Holy Relics remained on public display at Jivetsal in Leh for nine days before being taken to Karsha Gonpa in Zanskar on May 11 and 12. During the exposition, several cultural programmes, conferences, prayers, and spiritual activities were also organised.

His Eminence Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche said the people of Ladakh were fortunate to receive blessings from the sacred relics of Tathāgata Buddha and expressed gratitude to the Government of India and all associated organisations for making the exposition a grand success.

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