PM Modi hails Buddha relic exposition in Leh, eyes spiritual tourism boost
Synopsis
For the first time in 70 years, the sacred relics of Lord Buddha linked to the Piprahwa Stupa in Kapilavastu are on public display in Leh, Ladakh. PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have both hailed the exposition, which runs until 14 May and will travel to Zanskar — a rare convergence of spiritual heritage and regional outreach in one of India's most strategically significant territories.
Key Takeaways
PM Narendra Modi on 2 May welcomed the exposition of Lord Buddha's holy relics in Leh, Ladakh .
The relics are linked to the Piprahwa Stupa in Kapilavastu , excavated in the late nineteenth century .
The exposition runs until 14 May and will also travel to Zanskar .
Union Home Minister Amit Shah attended the inauguration on Buddha Purnima, 1 May , noting the relics had returned to Ladakh after 70 years .
Shah highlighted that followers of multiple faiths from Kargil and Leh districts have attended the exposition.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, 2 May expressed delight over the ongoing exposition of the holy relics of Lord Buddha in Leh, Ladakh, saying the event would boost spiritual and cultural tourism in the region. The sacred exposition, inaugurated on Buddha Purnima on 1 May, will continue until 14 May and will also travel to Zanskar.
What the Exposition Involves
The relics on display are linked to the Piprahwa Stupa in Kapilavastu and were excavated in the closing years of the nineteenth century. Taking to his official X account, Prime Minister Modi wrote,
Point of View
A Union Territory with deep Buddhist heritage and significant strategic weight. Bringing the Piprahwa relics back after 70 years, inaugurated by the Home Minister himself on Buddha Purnima, signals the Centre's intent to deepen its cultural and political connect with the region. The extension to Zanskar — historically remote and underserved — further underscores that this is as much about outreach as it is about faith. Whether the spiritual tourism dividend materialises will depend on sustained infrastructure investment, which Ladakh has long awaited.
NationPress
14 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sacred Exposition of the Holy Relics of the Tathagata in Leh?
It is a public display of the holy relics of Lord Buddha, linked to the Piprahwa Stupa in Kapilavastu, inaugurated in Leh on Buddha Purnima, 1 May 2025. The exposition runs until 14 May and will also travel to Zanskar, offering devotees across Ladakh the opportunity for darshan.
When were the Buddha relics last displayed in Ladakh?
According to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the relics of Lord Buddha last came to Ladakh approximately 70 years ago. He noted that poor connectivity at the time meant very few devotees could attend the earlier exposition.
Where are the Buddha relics linked to?
The relics are linked to the Piprahwa Stupa in Kapilavastu and were excavated in the closing years of the nineteenth century. They are considered to embody the enduring teachings of Lord Buddha.
Who inaugurated the Buddha relic exposition in Leh?
Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the exposition on Buddha Purnima, 1 May, joining devotees for darshan of the holy relics and addressing a large gathering. PM Modi welcomed the event via his official X account the following day.
How will the exposition boost tourism in Ladakh?
PM Modi stated that the exposition offers a valuable opportunity for people from across Ladakh to pay their respects and will boost spiritual and cultural tourism in the region. The event's extension to Zanskar is expected to draw visitors to a historically remote part of Ladakh.
