2nd UT-Level Coordination Committee Meeting Held for Sacred Exposition of Holy Relics of Tathagata Buddha, Ladakh 2026.

2nd UT-Level Coordination Committee Meeting Held for Sacred Exposition of Holy Relics of Tathagata Buddha, Ladakh 2026.
This event is the beginning of Spiritual and Cultural Tourism in Ladakh: Ashish Kundra
Leh, March 19, 2026: The second UT-Level Coordination Meeting for the Sacred Exposition of the Holy Relics of Tathagata Buddha was chaired by the Chief Secretary of UT Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, at the Conference Hall of the Hill Council, Leh. The meeting reviewed arrangements and execution planning for the exposition scheduled to be held in Ladakh during the first two weeks of May 2026.
Administrative Secretary, Tourism, Sanjit Rodrigues, presented a detailed briefing on the proposed timeline and programme flow, including the inaugural and closing ceremonies, seminars, interfaith dialogue, meditation and yoga sessions, Buddhist chanting and prayer sessions, and cultural programmes and exhibitions at venues such as CIBS, Dharma Centre, MIMC, Leh Palace, and Leh Main Market.
The Chief Secretary stressed the need to finalise the lists of dignitaries, including Rinpoches from different Buddhist sects in Ladakh and representatives of the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA), Ladakh Gompa Association (LGA), and other associated organisations to receive the Holy Relics in Delhi and at Leh Airport.
He informed that the exposition has been permitted by the Ministry of Culture for 14 days from May 1 to May 14, 2026. It has also been proposed to take the Holy Relics to Zanskar from May 10 to May 12 for public exposition, for which permission has been sought from the Ministry.
The Chief Secretary emphasised the timely preparation of the shatterproof casket to carry the relics and reviewed arrangements for the main celebration on May 1, 2026, marking the 2569th Buddha Purnima. He also reviewed the exhibition plan at Jivetsal, where the Holy Relics will be placed for public exposition.
The Chief Secretary further informed that the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh has written to the concerned Ministries of the Government of India to invite ambassadors of Buddhist nations to participate in the exposition. He added that the official website of the event will soon be launched to ensure wider outreach and dissemination of information regarding the exposition.
The Chief Secretary directed the Culture Department to prepare a day-wise cultural programme schedule, including foreign troupes’ participation in coordination with IBC. He further stressed proper visitor management, including arrangements for photography with the relics and a designated area for prostration.
He also directed all stakeholders, including the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), to work in close coordination to organise various exhibitions and the successful conduct of the event, which he described as a significant opportunity to promote spiritual and cultural tourism in Ladakh.
The Chief Secretary further directed that a separate meeting be held with hotel associations, tour operators, and tourism stakeholders to ensure proper publicity of the event and smooth arrangements for visitors in terms of travel, accommodation, and visit management during the exposition.
Directions were also given to finalise various associated activities such as Interfaith Harmony Dialogue, medical camps, exhibitions, live screenings, an ice-hockey match, Chöd performances, mass Buddhist chanting, and cultural programmes proposed to be organised during the exposition.
The meeting was attended by Councillors from Zanskar, DGP Ladakh, IG ITBP, DC Leh, SSP Leh, senior government officers, eminent Rinpoches, and representatives from LBA, LGA, monasteries, CIBS, Sowa Rigpa, Flowering Dharma, and other stakeholders.