LEH, May 15: The sacred Piprahwa relics of Lord Buddha were given an emotional farewell at Leh Airport on Friday, concluding a significant 14-day exposition in Ladakh that saw over 1.18 lakh devotees pay their respects. The event marked one of the largest spiritual gatherings witnessed in the Union Territory.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the farewell ceremony was attended by Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, along with people from diverse backgrounds. The Lieutenant Governor noted on the social media platform X that the departure of the relics followed a ceremonial guard of honour at Leh Airport. He described the exposition as a period that transformed Ladakh into a land of prayer, compassion, and spiritual awakening, with devotion and reverence resonating from monasteries to remote villages and bustling markets across the region.
Lieutenant Governor Saxena expressed his hope that the teachings of Lord Buddha would continue to foster unity, peace, compassion, harmony, and brotherhood globally, transcending borders and differences. He also extended his gratitude to all individuals whose dedication and efforts contributed to the historic exposition’s success.
The 14-day exposition officially concluded on Thursday, with thousands of devotees gathering at the Dharma Centre in Choglamsar for final respects. The arrival of the relics in Leh on April 29 had initially drawn an emotional response, with thousands of residents lining the roads from Leh Airport to Jivetsal to welcome them.
The public exposition was formally inaugurated on May 1, coinciding with the 2569th Buddha Purnima, by Union Home Minister Amit Shah at Jivetsal in Leh. Mr. Shah spent two days in Ladakh for the inauguration ceremonies. The event was graced by several dignitaries, including Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, ambassadors from Sri Lanka and Thailand, members of parliament, senior Buddhist leaders, monks, scholars, and international pilgrims.
Officials stated that the relics were displayed at Jivetsal for nine days before being transported to Karsha Gonpa in Zanskar for exposition on May 11 and 12. Throughout the exposition period, special prayers, cultural programs, conferences, and spiritual activities were organized. The concluding ceremony coincided with the sacred Monlam Chenmo, the annual Great Prayer Festival of Ladakh, which is dedicated to world peace and universal happiness.
Thousands of monks, nuns, venerable Rinpoches, and devotees participated in the Monlam Chenmo festival. Sacred mask dances, known as Chhams, were also performed by monks during the festival, according to officials.
The Chenab Times News Desk