Sri Lanka (Commonwealth Union)_ The hill capital of Kandy witnessed an extraordinary influx of devotees on Friday as Sri Lanka began a rare public exposition of the sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha, a revered artifact housed at the historic Sri Dalada Maligawa, also known as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. This spiritual event, which took place last in 2009, has sparked overwhelming interest across the nation, attracting hundreds of thousands of pilgrims eager to pay homage.
Also read: Modi’s Saudi Diplomacy Interrupted: Why He Left Jeddah in a Hurry After Kashmir Attack
Public display of Buddhist relic
The religious ceremony was officially inaugurated by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who made floral offerings to the sacred relic, believed by Buddhists to be one of the Buddha’s remaining teeth after his cremation. The event, titled Siri Dalada Vandana, is being held at the request of the President and will continue until April 27. The exposition holds immense spiritual, cultural, and historical importance for the island’s Sinhala Buddhist majority, who constitute about 74% of the population. Foreign dignitaries from over 20 countries, including India, Bangladesh, Japan, Indonesia, Nepal, Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand, Palestine, France, New Zealand, Cuba, Egypt, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Canada, and South Korea, were present at the temple for the ceremonial opening. Many had traveled to Kandy via a special train from Colombo, reflecting the global interest in the event.
Unexpected crowd and inconveniences
Despite extensive planning, the turnout far exceeded expectations. Officials had anticipated 200,000 visitors per day; however, by Thursday morning, more than 450,000 people were estimated to be in queues. The unexpected surge led to widespread confusion and distress among pilgrims. Many devotees, some of whom had arrived the night before and camped near the temple, expressed frustration over long wait times, limited access to food and water, and restricted movement within the holding areas. Emotional scenes unfolded as elderly individuals fainted in the heat, while others pleaded to be released from the enclosed queues.
Also read: Interpol Dragged into Bangladesh Politics: Red Notice Filed for Ex-PM Hasina
Long queues and traffic gridlock
By Friday afternoon, police reported queues extending over 10 kilometers, with three main lines converging from different directions toward the temple. The situation led to significant traffic congestion on major roads leading to Kandy, located approximately 115 kilometers from Colombo. Thirty-two buses carrying pilgrims were turned away due to a lack of parking space. Meanwhile, the railway department announced a suspension of additional train services to Kandy, citing overwhelming demand that surpassed available capacity.
Ancient relic and Sri Dalada Maligawa
The sacred relic, believed to be the Buddha’s left canine tooth, was brought to Kandy in 1590. Over time, it became a symbol of both spiritual reverence and political sovereignty. The temple that houses the relic, Sri Dalada Maligawa, is not only the holiest Buddhist site in Sri Lanka but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site steeped in history. When the Buddha passed away, his remains were distributed across various parts of Asia. Sri Lanka received four of his teeth, which became sacred objects of worship. The Tooth Relic in Kandy is the most venerated among them.
Police on duty and emergency measures
With concerns about safety mounting, more than 10,000 police officers have been deployed across the city. Armed forces are also providing additional security, especially around the temple, which was the target of a deadly bombing in 1998 that left 16 people dead. That attack, carried out by Tamil separatists, inadvertently led to the discovery of hidden 18th-century murals within the temple walls, some of which are now displayed in the temple’s museum. In response to Friday’s crowd surge, regional police chief Lalith Pathinayake confirmed that additional security arrangements would remain in place until the conclusion of the exposition. Health officials reported that over 2,000 individuals had fainted while waiting in line and were treated at 11 mobile medical units set up across the city.
City-wide adaptations
The Kandy Municipal Council (KMC) has mobilized teams to manage garbage collection and sanitary facilities, while several Buddhist welfare groups organized dansals, free food stalls, to assist devotees. However, the supply was unable to meet the needs of the massive crowd. Additionally, classes in the Kandy district have been temporarily suspended, and schools have been converted into makeshift accommodations for security personnel.
A moment of devotion amid discomfort
Despite the inconveniences, many pilgrims described their experience as deeply moving. Those who were able to view the relic up close expressed feelings of spiritual fulfillment, calling it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. “We came out of devotion,” said one woman as she exited the temple grounds. “To see the sacred relic is a blessing beyond words.” As the exposition continues through the weekend, authorities are urging visitors to remain patient and follow guidance to ensure the event concludes safely and respectfully.
