Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, chaired the third UT-level Coordination Committee meeting on April 4 for the forthcoming Holy Exposition of the sacred relics of Tathagata Buddha at the Dharma Centre, Choglamsar.

The meeting involved detailed deliberations on the timeline for the arrival of the holy relics, the main exposition event, the closing ceremony, and a series of proposed parallel and secondary events.

Discussions also focused on organising the grand exposition across designated venues, including cultural performances, exhibitions, stalls, and activities such as health camps, yoga sessions, and a peace march.

The Chief Secretary reviewed arrangements for receiving the relics in Leh and overseeing the ceremonial procession from Delhi. He emphasised the need for close coordination with heads of various monastic sects, along with ensuring adequate logistical support, security arrangements, and deployment of volunteers at all venues.

Special attention was given to planning the grand procession upon the arrival of the relics, key logistical arrangements, and the implementation of a staggered veneration schedule to facilitate smooth public participation. The meeting also discussed extending invitations to prominent leaders from Buddhist communities and preparing for the arrival of national and international guests and delegations.

The Chief Secretary urged the Ladakh Gompa Association to actively coordinate religious ceremonies and prayers by the monastic community throughout the exposition.

Discussions were also held regarding the planned public veneration of the holy relics in Zanskar. The Chief Secretary directed concerned authorities to ensure comprehensive logistical arrangements, security measures, and effective crowd management during both the departure from Leh and the events in Zanskar.

The Ladakh Gompa Association proposed that the relics be kept at the Dharma Centre for two days, April 13 and 14. The Chief Secretary assured that the matter would be taken up with the concerned authorities.

Following the meeting, he visited the Dharma Centre to review on-ground preparations for the upcoming exposition.

The meeting was attended by the DGP Ladakh, Deputy Commissioner Leh, senior government officers, eminent Rinpoches, and representatives from the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA), Ladakh Gompa Association (LGA), monasteries, Sowa Rigpa institutions, Flowering Dharma, and other stakeholders.