Articles tagged with “sacredtoothrelic

Massive Crowds, Mounting Suffering at Tooth Relic Exposition in Kandy, Sri Lanka

Massive Crowds, Mounting Suffering at Tooth Relic Exposition in Kandy, Sri Lanka

Tens of thousands of pilgrims in Kandy face harsh conditions during the rare public display of the Sacred Tooth Relic, the first in 16 years. Elderly and vulnerable devotees endure extreme heat, dehydration, and lack of basic facilities while waiting in long queues for limited viewing hours. Health officials warn of potential fatalities due to severe exhaustion and inadequate medical support. Volunteers report people collapsing and fainting, with no immediate relief measures in place. Many pilgrims arrived days early, sleeping on streets with minimal provisions. Critics accuse authorities of poor planning despite years to prepare. Calls grow for extended viewing hours and better crowd management to prevent further suffering. Temple officials have yet to respond to demands for urgent improvements. The relic, central to Sri Lanka's Buddhist heritage, is displayed for just five and a half hours daily until April 27. Without intervention, the event risks being overshadowed by preventable human suffering.

1 day agoworld
Devotees Asked to Skip Siri Dalada Wandanawa Tomorrow - Sri Lanka

Devotees Asked to Skip Siri Dalada Wandanawa Tomorrow - Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan police have urged devotees planning to visit the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy tomorrow to postpone their visit due to overcrowding concerns. Authorities expect over 100,000 worshippers for the special 'Siri Dalada Wandanawa' exposition on Wednesday. Police Spokesman SSP Buddhika Manathunga said the high turnout could cause inconvenience for devotees. Officials have advised visitors to choose another day to venerate the relic to ensure a smoother experience. The Sacred Tooth Relic, a revered Buddhist artifact, draws large crowds during special expositions. Police are managing the situation to maintain order and safety for all attendees. Devotees are encouraged to cooperate with the request to avoid congestion.

2 days agoculture
Sri Lanka Unveils Sacred Buddha Tooth After 16 Years

Sri Lanka Unveils Sacred Buddha Tooth After 16 Years

Sri Lanka has opened public viewing of the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha for the first time in 16 years. The revered relic, believed to be a tooth of Lord Buddha, was displayed at Kandy's Temple of the Tooth, attracting thousands of devotees and tourists. The relic, usually kept in a secure chamber, is rarely shown outside special occasions. Authorities confirmed the display will continue for several days, allowing pilgrims to pay homage and take part in religious ceremonies. The event holds deep spiritual significance for Buddhists globally. Officials said the exhibition aims to boost cultural tourism and strengthen spiritual connections in the region. The last public viewing occurred in 2008, making this a rare opportunity for worshippers.

2 days agoculture
Kandy Draws Millions of Devotees in Sri Lanka

Kandy Draws Millions of Devotees in Sri Lanka

Hundreds of thousands of Buddhist devotees have gathered in Kandy to venerate the sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha, displayed publicly for the first time in 16 years at Sri Dalada Maligawa. Authorities anticipate over two million visitors during the ten day exposition, which started Friday. Long queues stretched for kilometers amid heightened security and minor logistical challenges. The event has drawn pilgrims of all ages from across Sri Lanka, marking a significant religious occasion for the predominantly Buddhist nation.

4 days agoworld