Ambassadors from countries with significant Buddhist populations, along with Chief Ministers from several North Eastern states, are expected to visit Ladakh during the exposition of the holy relics of Lord Buddha from May 2 to 9.
The administration has begun large-scale preparations for the mega event, which is expected to draw thousands of visitors to the Union Territory. Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena is personally overseeing arrangements, as the region is likely to witness a substantial tourist influx during this period.
The L-G has directed all departments to expedite preparations, ensure cleanliness at venues and surrounding areas, remove debris, and intensify drives to manage stray animals. He has also issued instructions to ensure infrastructure readiness, including sanitation, power supply, and the availability of toilets and drinking water.
At a recent high-level meeting, the L-G emphasised incorporating suggestions from stakeholders. These include providing shuttle services for elderly devotees, decorative lighting, installation of prayer flags, lighting of lamps, and beautification of key routes to enhance the overall experience.
According to the official schedule, the sacred relics are expected to arrive in Leh on April 29 and will be welcomed with a grand ceremony. The 2569th Buddha Purnima will be celebrated on May 1 at Jivetsal, followed by the public exposition of the relics from May 2 to 9. The relics will then be taken to the remote Zanskar region on May 11 and 12, and later displayed at the Dharma Centre in Choglamsar on May 13 and 14, before returning to Delhi on May 15.
In addition to the main exposition, a series of parallel events will be organised across Ladakh. These include exhibitions of Buddhist artefacts and scriptures at the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies and Leh Palace, meditation and yoga sessions, medical health camps, and interfaith dialogues at the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre.
Major conferences and seminars will also be held on themes such as the International Conference on Himalayan Buddhism, Peace in Times of Conflict, and The Past, Present and Future of Buddhism in Ladakh.
Security agencies are making necessary arrangements, including the installation of CCTV cameras, to ensure the safety of devotees.
Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) president Chering Dorjay Lakrook said the relics to be displayed hold immense importance for the global Buddhist community. "The relics were discovered by a British archaeologist in Piprahwa, Uttar Pradesh, in 1898," he noted.
He added that the Chief Ministers of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, along with ambassadors from various Buddhist-majority countries, have been invited to attend the event.