The Sacred Kapilavastu Relics were brought to the Jayanthi Viharaya, Anuradhapura, the third venue of the ongoing exposition of the Sacred Kapilavastu Relics in Sri Lanka, on 24 August 2012 from the previous venue (Pelmadulla) by helicopter. The Sacred Relics would be on display round the clock at the Jayanthi Viharaya, Anuradhapura from 24 to 26 August 2012. Over 200,000 devotees paid homage at the Rajamaha Viharaya, Pelmadulla, the second venue of the exposition on 22 & 23 August 2012.

Well before the start of the exposition at Anuradhapura, a large number of people gathered to pay respect to the Sacred Relics and it was estimated that around 75,000 were waiting at the start of the exposition. Due to inclement weather at the previous venue, the transportation of the relics was delayed by about 5 hours which delayed the start of the exposition at Anuradhapura. This did not deter the devotees who waited patiently in the extremely hot and humid weather that prevailed at Anuradhapura. Some devotees had come to the venue the day before and had spent the night outside the venue exposed to the elements.

Earlier, on arrival at Anuradhapura, the relics were brought from the helipad to the venue of the exposition in a colourful procession. The procession was led by flag bearers, drummers and dancers. All along the way, lotus petals were strewn to welcome the Sacred Relics. The venue of the exposition – Jayanthi Viharaya – was decorated with flags and hoardings. The city of Anuradhapura wore a festive look with hoardings and buntings all around the streets.

Photographs of the exposition of the Sacred Relics at Anuradhapura can be downloaded from the Facebook page of the High Commission from : http://goo.gl/L7iyn

Colombo