Jivetsal, May 2: The public veneration of the Sacred Relics of Tathagata Buddha commenced at Jivetsal today, drawing a turnout in thousands from Nubra and Durbuk on the opening day of the programme. Venerable monks from Yundung Tharpaling Monastery, Lamayuru, under Ladakh Gonpa Association, conducted the initial prayer ceremony, marking the beginning of the veneration. As part of the ongoing observance, monks from 16 major monasteries of Ladakh will continue to offer prayers on a rotational basis each day.

Devotees from Nubra and Durbuk blocks attended the first day in significant numbers. Long queues were seen throughout the day as people waited for their turn to pay respects. Volunteers of the Ladakh Buddhist Association Youth Wing assisted in crowd management and extended support to elderly and physically challenged devotees.

The programme is being coordinated by Ladakh Buddhist Association, which has issued a village-wise schedule to ensure participation from all parts of Leh district. According to the organisers, all areas will be covered in a phased manner in the coming days, allowing equal opportunity for devotees to take part in the veneration.

The sacred relics will remain at Jivetsal for public veneration till May 10, after which they are scheduled to be taken to Zanskar on May 11 for the next phase of the programme.