Amit Shah visits Ladakh for first international exposition of Buddha relics in India

Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Ladakh on Thursday to attend a special and historic event — the first-ever international exposition of the sacred relics of Lord Buddha in India. The visit marks an important spiritual and cultural moment, especially as it coincides with the occasion of Buddha Purnima.

Officials said Shah was welcomed at the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh with a ceremonial reception. He was received by Ladakh Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena along with senior officers from the police and civil administration. His visit is scheduled for two days and includes both religious and developmental programmes.

The highlight of the visit is Shah’s participation in the exposition of the sacred Piprahwa relics of Lord Buddha. These relics are considered extremely important in Buddhism and have been revered by followers across the world for many years.

A rare spiritual event in Ladakh

The exposition of Buddha relics in Ladakh is being described as a rare and significant event. It is the first time that these relics are being displayed publicly in India outside their usual place of preservation.

The relics were brought to Leh on Wednesday in a special Indian Air Force aircraft. They were accompanied by respected Buddhist leaders, including Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche and Khenpo Thinlas Chosal of Matho Monastery.

On their arrival, the relics were given a grand and respectful welcome. Large numbers of people gathered along the roads to catch a glimpse and pay their respects. Many devotees expressed deep emotion and devotion, as such an opportunity is not common.

These relics, known as the Piprahwa relics, are believed to be associated with Gautama Buddha. They were discovered at an archaeological site in Piprahwa, located in present-day Uttar Pradesh near the Nepal border.

Over the years, the relics have gained global attention and spiritual importance. They have been displayed in several countries, including Thailand, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Bhutan, Mongolia, Vietnam, Singapore, and Russia. Devotees from different parts of the world have shown great respect and faith during these exhibitions.

However, this is the first time such an international-level exposition is being organised within India, making it a special occasion for both the country and the global Buddhist community.

The timing of the event also adds to its significance. Buddha Purnima, which falls on Friday, is one of the most important festivals for Buddhists. It marks the birth, enlightenment, and death (Mahaparinirvana) of Lord Buddha. On this day, Shah is expected to pay his respects to the sacred relics along with other devotees.

The exposition in Ladakh will begin on May 2 and continue until May 14 across different locations. The relics will first be displayed at Jivetsal from May 2 to May 10. After that, they will be taken to Zanskar on May 11 and 12. Finally, they will return to Leh and be displayed at the Dharma Centre from May 13 to May 14. The relics are scheduled to be taken back to Delhi on May 15.

Cultural importance and other key events

The event is not only religious but also culturally important. It highlights Ladakh’s strong connection with Buddhism and its role as a centre for spiritual tourism. The exhibition is expected to attract visitors and devotees from across India and other countries.

In a message shared earlier, Amit Shah said that attending this event is a matter of great honour for him. He described it as a moment of “profound good fortune” to be part of such a significant occasion on Buddha Purnima. He also noted that devotees from different parts of the world would gather to offer prayers and respect to the relics.

Apart from the religious event, Shah’s visit also includes development-related programmes. He is scheduled to lay the foundation stone for a dairy plant in Kargil. The plant will have a capacity of 10 tonnes per day and is expected to support local farmers and improve dairy production in the region.

He will also take part in other programmes related to the dairy sector, which aim to boost local livelihoods and strengthen infrastructure in Ladakh. These initiatives are part of broader efforts to promote development in the Union Territory while preserving its cultural identity.

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The return of the Piprahwa relics to India has also been a subject of importance in recent years. In July 2025, a collection of associated gems and offerings linked to these relics was brought back to India from a British family and private collection. This marked the end of over a century of colonial possession and renewed global interest in these sacred objects.

Their presence in Ladakh now adds a new chapter to their journey and offers people in India a rare chance to connect with an important part of Buddhist heritage.

A moment of faith and connection

The exposition is expected to draw large crowds over the coming days. For many devotees, it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness and pray before relics that are deeply connected to the life of Lord Buddha.

Events like these also serve as a reminder of India’s rich spiritual history and its role in the origin and spread of Buddhism. Ladakh, with its monasteries and traditions, provides a fitting setting for such an occasion.

As the exhibition begins, the focus will remain on faith, reflection, and cultural unity. With participation from leaders, monks, and devotees, the event is set to become one of the most important spiritual gatherings in the region this year.