Special exposition of the Tooth Relic planned for 'International Vesak Day'

The possibility of holding a special exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic for the benefit of the 550- strong international delegation which will be arriving in Kandy on 14 May to commemorate International Vesak Day declared by the United Nations is being explored.

The two Maha Vihare's -Asgiri and Malwatte- indicated that there could be a possibility for a special exposition , but with the concurrence of the three custodians of the Sri Dalda Malgawa, has also to be obtained.

A meeting to discuss the modalities of the upcoming event following the declaration of the 'International Vesak Week' was held at the Maha Maluwa -the forecourt of the Sri Dalada Maligawa. One of the main topics was the organising of a mass meeting for nearly 2,000 Buddhists. This number would include 550 foreign delegates whose number would include members of the Sangha.

The organisers anticipate arrangements being made to hold a special perahera which would grace the occassion. The perahera would include tuskers, and several traditional dances. The details regarding the holding of the perahera are expected to be worked out by the Diyawadana Nilame in conjunction with the two Maha Nayakas.

A meeting to draw up plans for the hosting of such an event was held at the Kandy Secretariat under the chairmanship of the District Secretary K.M.B. Hitisekera, the Secretary General of the Asgiri Maha Vihare Venerable Panditha Medagama Dhammananda Thera, and the Diyawadana Nilame Nilanga Pradeep Dela also participated.

A number of sub-committees were appointed to work out details of the function. But the ultimate decision of whether or not to hold the perahera, is the prerogative of the Diyawadana Nilame.

The international delegation would initially meet in Colombo and subsequently travel to Kandy by train and would be officially welcomed enroute by various groups and then escorted to Kandy.

The 2,000-delegate meeting is expected to commence at the Maha Maluwa at 3.00 pm and the perahera is scheduled to be held the same night.

Alms to the Maha Sangha will be provided from the Janadhipathi Mandiraya.

Another meeting to finalise arrangements will be held a month before the event at the Dalada Maligawa.