Prashant Lokhande.

A roaring river hugging the road, waterfalls cascading from the cliffs, and a monastery standing calmly above it all. Tawang is where nature and spirituality meet. Visit Tawang. #VisitTawang #TawangTourism #ArunachalPradesh

This is Ladakh, the Crown of India 🇮🇳 @incredibleindia @utladakhtourism @itdc_theashok @tourismgoi

This is Ladakh, the Crown of India 🇮🇳 @incredibleindia @utladakhtourism @itdc_theashok @tourismgoi

Scenes of an extraordinary outpouring of devotion in Ladakh as people gather in overwhelming numbers to venerate the 'Holy Relics of the Tathagata' at Jive-Tsal, Leh. This gathering reflects deep faith, collective emotion, and a profound spiritual connection to living Buddhist traditions. The exposition, presented by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with @IbcWorldOrg and @utladakhtourism features relics brought from the National Museum in New Delhi (@NMnewdelhi), and will be open for a special public exposition at Jivetsal until May 11, 2026, before moving to Zanskar from May 11 to 12. The closing event will take place from May 13 to 14 at the Dharma Centre in Choglamsar, Leh. #BuddhaRelicsInLeh #TathagataExposition #CultureUnitesAll

Was happy to attend the inaugural session of a seminar on “Past Present and Future of Buddhism in Ladakh” today , chaired by His Eminence @thuksey

Ladakhis believe it is not just a holy relic of Buddha, but evidence of Buddha himself visiting Ladakh.

This is Ladakh, the Crown of India 🇮🇳 @incredibleindia @utladakhtourism @itdc_theashok @tourismgoi

Spirituality moves humanity . The young and the old, aged and infirm , women and children, queuing up in thousands every day, hearts filled with devotion, for a sacred veneration of the holy Relics of Lord Buddha in Leh !

Glad to attend the Inaugural Session of the Regional Workshop on Development of the Buddhist Circuit in Northeast India at Tawang today. This important initiative brings together our friends from Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka to strengthen regional cooperation and build a vibrant Buddhist tourism circuit rooted in shared heritage and spiritual connections. I sincerely appreciate Prof. Ms. Veena Sikri ji, Founding Trustee and Convener of the South Asia Women’s Network, and her associates for their initiative in organizing this important workshop. Their continued efforts in fostering regional dialogue and collaboration are truly commendable. Arunachal Pradesh holds a unique place in the Buddhist world. From the ancient monasteries of Tawang, the birthplace of the Sixth Dalai Lama, to the sacred landscapes of Bomdila, Dirang, Mechuka, and Tuting in the west, and the thriving Theravada tradition in Namsai in the east, our State reflects the diversity and depth of Buddhist culture. We are committed to developing a comprehensive Buddhist circuit that connects these spiritual centres with major destinations across Northeast, mainland India and neighbouring countries. This effort will not only promote tourism but also preserve our rich cultural and spiritual legacy. Let us work together to shape this vision into reality, and take forward this initiative for developing a world class Buddhist and cultural tourism circuit.

Far from the usual routes, #Anini in #ArunachalPradesh, offers a rare sense of quiet and vastness, making it a true escape for solitude seekers. The Dibang River flows through this remote landscape, shaping a world of untouched beauty all around. Set on a high plateau overlooking the Dri and Mathun valleys, Anini is less about sightseeing and more about the journey where every turn reveals raw, untouched landscapes. Discover Anini - where silence, scale, and untouched beauty come together like nowhere else. Credits- indo_mihu, explore_with_sabyasachi (IG) #IncredibleIndia #TravelIndia #India

Nestled in the eastern Himalayas, Arunachal Pradesh is a land of pristine valleys, snow-capped mountains, and serene spirituality. Known as the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’, it offers an untouched landscape where nature and tradition coexist in harmony. From the monasteries of Tawang to the beauty of Ziro Valley and the biodiversity of Namdapha National Park, the state blends spiritual depth with natural grandeur. Its vibrant tribal cultures and traditions make every journey immersive and unforgettable. An initiative of NITI Aayog, Divya Bharat – A Window to the Soul of India is a curated national effort to showcase the country’s diverse cultural, spiritual, and natural heritage. Through a state-wise journey, it brings together India’s rich traditions, iconic landscapes, vibrant festivals, and living heritage, offering a holistic narrative of the nation’s unity in diversity. Access the full publication: niti.gov.in/sites/default/… Experience a curated glimpse of India’s States and Union Territories, watch now: youtu.be/tsJ6hP5cvrk #PMOIndia #NITIAayog #DivyaBharat #ArunachalPradesh #IncredibleIndia #NortheastIndia #CulturalHeritage #DekhoApnaDesh @ArunachalTsm

An extraordinary outpouring of devotion in #Ladakh as people, undeterred by harsh weather, gathered in overwhelming numbers to venerate the Holy Relics of the Tathagata. Long, unwavering queues at Jivetsal, Leh reflect deep faith, collective emotion, and a profound spiritual connection, truly a powerful testament to living Buddhist traditions. It is said that around 10,000 people pay their homage on a daily basis. #BuddhaRelicsInLadakh

Deeply humbled to bow in sacred veneration of the Holy Relics of Tathagata Buddha at Jivetsal, Leh. The arrival of the revered Piprahwa relics in Ladakh is a blessing that transcends time, geography & borders, carrying the living presence of the Tathagata and his eternal message of compassion, wisdom & peace. #Buddha #Ladakh

From the elderly to young children, every heart and mind was immersed in devotion to Lord Buddha as devotees gathered in deep reverence at the sacred relics exposition in Leh. Long, winding queues formed at Jivetsal, where thousands waited patiently for a glimpse of the holy relics of the Tathagata, on public veneration as part of the historic exposition being held in Ladakh from 1–14 May 2026. #BuddhistRelicsInLeh #TathagataExposition #CultureUnitesAll

Venerable monks from Thiksey Monastery, under the Ladakh Gonpa Association, conducted the prayer ceremony on Day 2 of the public veneration of the holy relics of Lord Buddha. @utladakhtourism @IbcWorldOrg @MinOfCultureGoI @PIBCulture @floweringdharma @dio_leh @ddnewsladakh

Another day of huge public turnout at Jivetsal, for paying obeisance to the Holy Buddha Relics. More than 11,500 people paid their respects to the Sacred Relics today, who arrived in Leh city to see the Relics and partake in other spiritual programs being organised simultaneously. The spiritual fervour and the spirit of the devotees is indeed encouraging.

It is a matter of immense delight that yesterday, on the occasion of Buddha Purnima, the ‘Sacred Exposition of the Holy Relics of the Tathagata’ was inaugurated in Leh. These revered relics are linked to the Piprahwa Stupa in Kapilavastu and were excavated in the closing years of the nineteenth century. They embody the enduring teachings of Lord Buddha. The exposition will continue until 14th May. In the coming days, it will also travel to Zanskar. It offers a valuable opportunity for people from across Ladakh to pay their respects. It will also boost spiritual and cultural tourism in Ladakh.

At a vibrant cultural evening in Leh Market, I joined the gathering in singing “Chhodo Kal Ki Baatein, Kal Ki Baat Purani… Hum Hindustani”, celebrating the spirit of togetherness and shared identity. Celebrating a wonderful new beginning for Ladakh, marked by hope, harmony, and cultural vibrancy.

On April 30, Hon'ble Home Minister Shri Amit Shah ji held a meeting with key political leaders of Ladakh. While emphasizing the spiritual nature of his visit to Leh on the pious occasion of Buddh Purnima, he urged for a focussed approach on sustainable development. Large-scale plantation and water security were identified by Hon'ble HM as key pillars for overall development of Ladakh. The ongoing work to create 50 water bodies in different villages under Project Him Sarovar and recent plantation drive were shared with Hon’ble HM, which he appreciated as a positive measure. Shri Thupstan Chewang underscored the need to tap water of Shyok river for drinking water and irrigation needs. Shri Sonam Wangchuk mentioned that hardly 1% of glacial-melt in Ladakh is utilized and the rest is wasted. He highlighted the need for new innovative ways to conserve the glacial-melt. The UT administration has already undertaken a massive drive to meet the twin objectives of plantation and water conservation in recent days, to ensure climate resilient development of Ladakh. I am pleased to share that in the last 40 days, more than 4500 trees of native species have already been planted across Leh and Kargil to promote environmental sustainability. In addition to this, nearly 500 saplings of species like Bamboo, Amaltas, Gulmohar, Jacaranda, Bougainvillea, Bargad, Pipal and Imli, have been planted in Leh, on experimental basis. As directed by Hon’ble HM, the plantation exercise and water conservation efforts will be further intensified across the Ladakh region. We aim at creating at least 100 large water bodies in the next one year. Our collective efforts, will be now aimed at increasing the forest cover in Ladakh from less than 1% at present to at least 5% in the next two years.

Something to remember . Something to cherish . A Buddh Purnima in Ladakh like never before . For the young , connecting with ancient faith ; for the not so young- a revival of the sacred emotion . Leh came alive - and the blessings of the sacred relics of Lord Buddha shall endure