Kiren Rijiju Visits Sacred Piprahwa Buddha Relics in Leh During Public Exposition

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday paid obeisance to the sacred relics of Lord Buddha in Leh, describing the experience as a deeply spiritual moment and saying that the Buddha’s message continues to transcend time, geography, and borders. The minister’s visit comes amid the ongoing public exposition of the revered Piprahwa relics in the region.

Rijiju offered prayers and had “darshan” of the holy relics at Jivetsal in Leh, where they are currently on display as part of a historic exposition. In a post on social media platform X, he said he felt “deeply humbled” to bow before the sacred remains of the Tathagata Buddha. He described the event as a rare spiritual blessing that carries the “living presence” of Buddha’s teachings of compassion, wisdom, and peace.

The sacred Piprahwa relics were brought to Leh on April 29 aboard an Indian Air Force aircraft for a special exposition scheduled from May 1 to May 14. The relics were received with ceremonial honours at Kushok Bakula Rimpoche Airport before being placed for public viewing. Authorities have arranged for the relics to be displayed in Leh and Zanskar, aiming to promote cultural heritage, spiritual tourism, and interfaith harmony in the region.

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The exposition has drawn significant attention from across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier highlighted the cultural and spiritual importance of the relics, noting their return to India as a major moment in preserving the nation’s ancient Buddhist heritage. He also said the event reinforces India’s role in safeguarding global spiritual traditions and is expected to boost cultural tourism.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who attended the inauguration of the exposition on Buddha Purnima, described the arrival of the relics in Ladakh as a historic moment after nearly 70 years. He noted that despite earlier limitations in connectivity, devotees from Leh and Kargil turned out in large numbers to pay respects. He also emphasised that the teachings of Lord Buddha remain relevant even 2,500 years after his time.

Officials highlighted that Ladakh’s historical position along the Silk Route has long made it a meeting point for trade, culture, and diverse philosophies. The ongoing exposition is being seen as a continuation of that legacy, bringing together devotees from different backgrounds. As the relics remain on display, authorities expect a steady influx of pilgrims and visitors drawn by both spiritual devotion and cultural interest.

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