Leh, Mar 07: Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, on Friday reviewed arrangements for the upcoming Holy Exposition of the Sacred Buddha Relics during an inspection visit to Jive-Tsal, where the event is scheduled to commence on May 1.
The visit followed the meeting of the UT-level Coordination Committee convened a day earlier to assess preparedness for the exposition, which is expected to draw large gatherings of devotees, pilgrims and tourists from across India and abroad.
During the inspection, the Chief Secretary examined progress at the venue and reviewed arrangements related to infrastructure development, crowd management, security deployment, sanitation services, parking facilities and other logistical support required to manage the anticipated influx of visitors.
Accompanying him were Director General of Police Mukesh Singh, Administrative Secretary Tourism and Culture Sanjeet Rodrigues and Deputy Commissioner Leh Romil Singh Donk. Senior officers of the Public Works Department, traffic police and other departments of the UT Administration were also present during the review.
Representatives of community and religious organisations also participated in the inspection, including members of the Ladakh Buddhist Association and the Ladakh Gompa Association, along with representatives from Flowering Dharma.
Officials said the inspection was aimed at ensuring that logistical and administrative arrangements are completed well in advance for the smooth conduct of the exposition, which is expected to attract a large congregation of devotees and visitors to the region.
Earlier, the preliminary meeting of the UT-Level Coordination Committee for the Sacred Exposition of the Holy Relics of Tathagata Buddha, Ladakh 2026, was convened under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra at the Conference Hall of the Hill Council in Leh. The committee was constituted on the directions of the Lt Governor of Ladakh to ensure inclusive participation of all sections and sects of the Buddhist community in the Union Territory.
The meeting commenced with the lighting of a butter lamp, invoking blessings for the successful conduct of the event. It was attended by senior officials, including the Director General of Police, the Inspector General of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, eminent Rinpoches, presidents of the Ladakh Buddhist Association and the Ladakh Gompa Association, representatives of monasteries, the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies, Sowa Rigpa institutions, former political representatives and other stakeholders.
Administrative Secretary Tourism and Culture Sanjeet Rodrigues delivered a detailed presentation outlining the proposed framework for the preparation and conduct of the exposition. It was unanimously decided that the opening ceremony will be held on May 1, 2026 at Jive-Tsal in Choglamsar, coinciding with International Buddha Purnima.
The Chief Secretary informed the committee that the sacred relics are expected to arrive in Leh on April 28 or 29. He said the Administration will request the Ministry of Culture to retain the relics in Ladakh for one month, with the exposition concluding on May 31 in accordance with Buddha Purnima as per the Tibetan lunar calendar, as suggested by the committee members.
He also emphasised the need to create a spiritually elevated atmosphere across Ladakh through seven days of rituals, prayers and ceremonial activities prior to the arrival of the relics.
The committee adopted the theme “Peace in Times of Conflict.” Kundra observed that the exposition should convey a global message of peace, compassion and harmony from Ladakh.
It was decided that special arrangements will be made for the delegation accompanying the relics, including a ceremonial reception at the airport. Responsibilities related to security, traffic management, facilities and logistics will be jointly handled by the UT Administration, the Ladakh Buddhist Association and the Ladakh Gompa Association.
To facilitate visitors, the Administration will develop a dedicated website providing QR code-based information, visitor registration and fast-track access for tourists at the venue. Authorities will also engage with tour operators, hotel associations and taxi unions to ensure smooth travel arrangements during the event.
Documentary screenings, seminars, prayer sessions and religious teachings will form part of the programme. The Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre has been requested to organise an interfaith harmony dialogue in coordination with the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies and other organisations, including participation from Kargil. A peace march by monks has also been proposed.
The Chief Secretary further informed that a large-scale cleanliness drive will be conducted from April 15 to April 30 across Leh district, involving the Army, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, Ladakh Police, the Municipal Committee, various associations and members of the public. Renovation and painting of stupas along the route from the airport to the venue will also be undertaken by the Ladakh Buddhist Association and the Ladakh Gompa Association.
Phase-wise access will be organised for devotees, including elderly visitors, tourists and pilgrims from different regions. Dedicated bus services will also be arranged for devotees travelling from remote villages.
Invitations will be extended to ambassadors from Southeast and Central Asian countries, Chief Ministers of Buddhist-majority states such as Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, Nalanda University, organisations from Bodh Gaya and other prominent Buddhist institutions.
Describing the exposition as a rare occasion for Ladakh, the Chief Secretary noted that the sacred relics will be displayed in the region after nearly seven decades. He urged youth, traders, tourism stakeholders and the wider community to actively participate in preparations for the event.
The meeting concluded with a press briefing in which Kundra described the discussions as constructive and inclusive, with stakeholders expressing commitment to ensure the successful organisation of the exposition.
