Leh, Apr 24: A series of preparatory religious ceremonies commenced in Ladakh on Thursday with a prayer gathering at the Dud-Dul Ling Shrine in Sakti, as the region readies for the arrival and exposition of the sacred Piprahwa relics of the Tathagata Buddha later this month.
Around 20 to 25 monks from Takthok Gonpa and Choskhor Padma Ling Nyingma Monastery assembled at the shrine to offer prayers for the smooth conduct of the forthcoming exposition and the well-being of devotees expected to attend the rare spiritual event.
The relics are scheduled to reach Ladakh on April 29, setting the stage for their public exposition beginning May 2 at Jivetsal in Leh. The relics will remain in the Union Territory until May 14, during which they will also be taken to Zanskar to allow wider access for devotees across remote areas.
Monastic institutions across Ladakh have drawn up a calendar of prayers leading up to the exposition. Ceremonies are slated to be held at Chemday Monastery on April 24, followed by Hemis Monastery on April 25, Matho Monastery on April 26, Stakna Monastery on April 27, Thiksey Monastery on April 28, and Spituk Monastery on April 29.
Religious leaders describe the arrival of the relics as a rare occasion for Ladakh, expected to draw devotees and visitors from across the region. The ongoing prayers are seen as part of a broader effort to spiritually prepare the community for the event.
Authorities and monastic bodies are coordinating arrangements to ensure orderly participation during the exposition period, with special attention to accessibility for residents of distant areas such as Zanskar.
