A significant religious event unfolded in Sri Lanka as the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy commenced a 10-day exhibition of a sacred relic believed to be the left canine of Lord Buddha. This marks the first public display of the relic in 16 years, drawing thousands of devotees from across the nation.
In preparation for the event, approximately 10,000 police officers have been deployed to ensure security at the 16th-century temple, a site previously targeted by a Tamil separatist suicide attack in 1998 that resulted in 16 fatalities. Armed troops have been stationed to reinforce security measures. Authorities anticipate that around two million devotees will visit Kandy during the exhibition period. To manage the influx, schools in Kandy have been closed and repurposed to accommodate the large number of security personnel.
Prior to the exhibition’s opening, queues to enter the temple extended over two kilometers, highlighting the immense public interest. The last time the relic was displayed in March 2009, over a million people visited the UNESCO-designated temple. The 1998 bombing of the temple inadvertently uncovered 18th-century murals, which are now displayed in the temple’s museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the island’s royal heritage from 1707 to 1739.
This rare exhibition not only serves as a spiritual milestone for Sri Lankan Buddhists but also underscores the nation’s commitment to preserving and celebrating its rich cultural and religious heritage.
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