Sacred Buddha relics draw thousands in Leh ahead of Zanskar journey

LEH | 10 May 2026 :- The final day of public veneration for the sacred relics of the Tathagata Buddha at Jive-Tsal saw a massive turnout of nearly 5,000 devotees, including a significant number of school and college students.

The young visitors, many of whom were witnessing the relics for the first time, joined elders and tourists in offering khataks and prayers.

This spiritual gathering marked the conclusion of the Leh leg of a 15-day programme organized by the Ladakh Gonpa Association, creating a solemn atmosphere of reflection and peace as the relics prepare for their scheduled departure to Zanskar on May 11.

Throughout the morning, monks from the Lingshed Monastery led special prayers for compassion and the well-being of all sentient beings. Volunteers and religious leaders took the opportunity to educate the visiting students on the history and spiritual significance of the relics, fostering a deep sense of connection to their cultural heritage.

Educators accompanying the groups noted that the visit served as a profound spiritual experience for the youth, blending faith and history within the quiet, prayer-filled grounds.

As the evening approached, the distribution of tsog as blessings marked the end of the public exposition in Leh. Over the past several days, Jive-Tsal has served as a central hub for communal devotion, bringing together people from all walks of life.

With the Leh phase complete, the sacred relics will now continue their journey to Zanskar, continuing the region’s extended spiritual festivities and promoting the values of peace and mindfulness across Ladakh.