Leh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday welcomed the inauguration of the ‘Sacred Exposition of the Holy Relics of the Tathagata’ in Leh, describing it as a significant spiritual occasion and an opportunity for people across Ladakh to pay their respects.
The exposition was inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday during his two-day visit to Ladakh, coinciding with the celebrations of the 2569th Buddha Purnima.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said the event marks “a matter of immense delight,” highlighting the spiritual importance of the relics associated with Lord Buddha. He noted that the sacred remains are linked to the historic Piprahwa Stupa in Kapilavastu and were excavated in the late nineteenth century.
“These revered relics embody the timeless teachings of Lord Buddha and hold deep significance for followers across the world,” the Prime Minister said.
The exposition, which began in Leh earlier this week, will continue until May 14. Officials said it will subsequently travel to the Zanskar region, enabling a wider section of people to access and venerate the relics.
The sacred relics, discovered at Piprahwa near the India-Nepal border in present-day Uttar Pradesh, arrived in Leh on Wednesday amid special arrangements.
Highlighting the broader impact of the event, the Prime Minister said the exposition will not only strengthen spiritual connect but also contribute to the promotion of cultural and religious tourism in Ladakh.
Officials said the event has drawn attention from devotees and visitors, and is expected to see increased footfall in the coming days as celebrations linked to Buddha Purnima continue across the region.
