Ladakh is hosting a two-week-long sacred exposition of the holy relics of Lord Buddha on the banks of the Indus. It commences on the auspicious occasion of Buddh Purnima on May 1. An air of anticipation, exuberance and sacred devotion surrounds the ancient town of Leh, which wears a festive look. Multicoloured prayer flags fluttering in the cold breeze wave a message of peace. The monks of Ladakh have been offering special prayers in the week leading up to the arrival of the relics. For the Buddhists of Ladakh, who make up nearly half the population, this is indeed a momentous occasion. The Piprahwa relics have earlier travelled to Buddhist countries around the world. They are being hosted in India for the first time for public veneration by the Ministry of Culture. An exposition in Ladakh sends out a clear message. India is the land of the Buddha and Ladakh is central to Buddhist monastic traditions. Ladakh has always been a crucible of ideas, cultures and sacred traditions.…