LEH, MAY 1 — Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated a significant exposition of the sacred Piprahwa relics of Gautama Buddha at Jivetsal on Friday. The event, held in the Photang-Choglamsar area, marks a central component of the 2569th Buddha Purnima celebrations in the region.
The Home Minister commenced the ceremony by lighting a ceremonial lamp and participating in the traditional ‘Mandala’ and ‘Sumba’ rituals. Officials stated that these offerings represent the symbolic dedication of body, speech, and mind to the teachings of the Buddha. The relics, which were discovered in Uttar Pradesh near the Nepal border, were transported from Delhi to Leh via a special aircraft.
“After traditional rituals and offerings, the home minister formally inaugurated the exposition,” an official affirmed. Senior religious figures, including Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche and Khenpo Thinlas Chosal, accompanied the remains to ensure all religious protocols were maintained during the transit and installation.
Authorities noted that the public will have the opportunity to view the relics at Jivetsal from May 2 to May 10. The exposition is then scheduled to move to Zanskar for two days before concluding its tour at the Dharma Centre in Leh on May 14. The relics are slated for return to the capital on May 15.
Beyond the religious ceremonies, the Home Minister’s itinerary includes developmental initiatives for the union territory. Shah is expected to lay the foundation stone for a new 10,000-litre-per-day dairy plant in Kargil. Officials affirmed that this project, alongside the launch of mobile milk testing laboratories, is aimed at modernizing and strengthening the local dairy industry.
