The second UT-Level Coordination Committee meeting for the Sacred Exposition of the Holy Relics of Tathagata Buddha was chaired by Chief Secretary of UT Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, at the Conference Hall of the Hill Council, Leh on March 19.

The meeting reviewed arrangements and execution plans 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 inaugural and closing ceremonies, seminars, interfaith dialogue, meditation and yoga sessions, Buddhist chanting and prayer sessions, as well as 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 list of dignitaries, including Rinpoches from various Buddhist sects in Ladakh and representatives of the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA), Ladakh Gompa Association (LGA), and other organisations, who will 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.

The Chief Secretary emphasised the timely preparation of a shatterproof casket for carrying the relics and reviewed arrangements for the main celebration on May 1, marking the 2569th Buddha Purnima. He also reviewed plans for the exhibition at Jivetsal, where the relics will be placed for public viewing.

He further informed that the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh has written to concerned ministries of the Government of India to invite ambassadors from Buddhist countries to participate in the event. He added that an official website will soon be launched to ensure wider outreach and dissemination of information.

The Chief Secretary directed the Culture Department to prepare a day-wise cultural programme schedule, including participation of foreign troupes in coordination with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC). He also stressed the need for proper visitor management, including arrangements for photography with the relics and a designated area for prostration.

He directed all stakeholders, including the IBC, to work in close coordination for organising exhibitions and ensuring the successful conduct of the event, describing it as a significant opportunity to promote spiritual and cultural tourism in Ladakh.

He further instructed that a separate meeting be held with hotel associations, tour operators, and other tourism stakeholders to ensure effective publicity and smooth arrangements for visitors, including travel, accommodation, and site management.

Directions were also issued to finalise associated activities such as interfaith harmony dialogue, medical camps, exhibitions, live screenings, an ice hockey match, Chöd performances, mass Buddhist chanting, and cultural programmes.

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.