Millions Expected at Sri Lanka's Rare Tooth Relic Exhibition

Sri Lanka's sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha is on public display in Kandy for the first time in sixteen years, drawing tens of thousands of pilgrims and international visitors. The ten-day exposition, held at the historic 16th-century Temple of the Tooth, is accompanied by heightened security measures, with around 10,000 police officers and armed troops deployed to safeguard attendees. Local schools have been closed and repurposed to accommodate security forces, and airport-style security checks have been instituted. The event is expected to attract up to two million devotees, with queues stretching for miles as people gather to witness this rare spiritual and cultural event. The relic, a symbol of Sri Lanka's Buddhist heritage and national sovereignty, also serves to highlight the country's economic recovery and promote international unity. Ambassadors from 17 countries, including India, have joined the procession, underscoring the relic's global religious and cultural significance.