Leh, May 02 : The 2569th Buddha Jayanti celebrations in Leh drew national and international attention on Thursday as sacred relics of Lord Buddha were unveiled for public exposition at the revered Jivetsal Photang, in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and a gathering of global dignitaries.
Founder and Spiritual Director of the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre, Bhikkhu Sanghasena presided over the observance held on Buddha Purnima, guiding the proceedings amid chants, rituals, and collective prayers that marked the unveiling of the sacred relics of Lord Buddha for public exposition.
The ceremony drew high-profile participation, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, alongside ambassadors from Sri Lanka and Thailand, senior officials, and political representatives. Their presence lent wider visibility to the gathering, which blended spiritual observance with diplomatic engagement.
In a symbolic gesture reflecting Ladakh’s cultural traditions, Bhikkhu Sanghasena felicitated Union Home Minister Amit Shah with a khatak during the event. The unveiling of the relics drew devotees, monks, and visitors into a shared space of reverence, offering a rare opportunity for close engagement with sacred symbols associated with the Buddha’s teachings.
Addressing the gathering through his role and presence, Bhikkhu Sanghasena’s lifelong commitment to fostering compassion and inner awakening remained central to the occasion. The event, while ceremonial in form, echoed his continued efforts to promote values of harmony and mindfulness through the work of MIMC in Ladakh.
Officials noted that the participation of international delegates alongside local devotees reflected Leh’s evolving stature as a centre for spiritual and cultural gatherings. The relic exposition is expected to continue attracting visitors in the coming days, extending the observance beyond the inaugural ceremony.
The celebrations concluded in a solemn atmosphere, with prayers and rituals reinforcing the enduring relevance of the Buddha’s teachings in contemporary times.
