NEW DELHI, India – In a landmark initiative for global peace and Buddhist heritage, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat today launched the curtain raiser for the Sacred Exposition of the Holy Relics of Tathagata (Lord Buddha), confirming that for the first time in India, the sacred relics preserved at their original repository will be brought out for public veneration.



Speaking at the National Museum in New Delhi, Minister Shekhawat hailed the exposition as a powerful medium to promote the Buddha’s timeless message of non-violence, compassion, and inner awakening—teachings he noted hold “deep relevance in today’s global context marked by uncertainty and conflict.”

The exposition is scheduled to take place in Ladakh from 1st May to 15th May 2026, and is expected to draw massive international participation, including diplomatic delegations, ambassadors, eminent Rinpoches, Union Ministers, and Chief Ministers.


A Boost for Buddhist Heritage & Cultural Tourism

The Union Minister emphasized that Ladakh, a renowned centre of Buddhist heritage, will not only serve as a spiritual hub during the 15 days but will also receive a major boost in cultural tourism.

“Similar international expositions of the sacred relics have drawn large participation across countries, strengthening India’s cultural and civilizational connect globally,” Shri Shekhawat stated. The event is being jointly organized by the Ministry of Culture, the Union Territory Administration of Ladakh, and the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC).


15 Days of Veneration, Processions & Teachings

The sacred exposition will offer the global Buddhist community an unprecedented opportunity for spiritual engagement. The 15-day programme includes:

- Public veneration of the sacred relics
- Grand processions and traditional ceremonies
- Meditation sessions & yoga camps
- Health initiatives & cultural performances
- Exhibitions on Buddhist art and history
- International conferences on Himalayan Buddhism


Key Venues & Zanskar Extension

The main venues for the exposition include the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre, Dharma Centre, Leh Palace, and the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies (CIBS).

In a special extension, the sacred relics will also be taken to Zanskar from 11th to 12th May 2026, allowing remote monastic communities to pay homage. The closing ceremony will be held in Leh on 14th May, with the departure of the sacred relics scheduled for 15th May 2026.


Official Presence & Global Call

The curtain raiser event was also graced by Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, along with Shri Abhijit Halder, Director General of the International Buddhist Confederation, and other senior ministry officials.

The event concluded with a shared commitment among all stakeholders to ensure the successful management of this landmark spiritual initiative, reinforcing India’s position as the global centre of Buddhist heritage.

For more details, including schedules for international pilgrims, visit the official exposition website: [https://tathagata.co.in/](https://tathagata.co.in/).