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Devnimori relics draw thousands in their first visit beyond India
View(s):By Ishu Bandara
Marking their first ever international exposition, the Sacred Devnimori Relics of the Buddha arrived in Sri Lanka from India on February 4, Sri Lanka’s Independence Day, and were placed at the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo for public veneration.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake inaugurated the exposition of the Sacred Relics on Independence day and public worship that began on February 5 will continue until February 11, for 24 hours a day, starting at 6 a.m.
Sri Lanka Police have made special security and traffic arrangements for the event and have requested devotees and the general public to follow police instructions and cooperate to ensure the smooth conduct of the exposition.
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- Pix by M.A. Pushpa Kumara and Indika Handuwala
Police Media Spokesperson Assistant Superintendent of Police F. U. Wootler urged the public to follow police guidelines to ensure a safe and peaceful worship experience.
As large crowds of local and foreign devotees are expected, the public has been advised to remain vigilant against theft and safeguard personal belongings. The use of mobile phones inside the Sacred Chamber is strictly prohibited, and helmets, jackets, large bags, and other unnecessary items should not be brought into the temple.
According to the special traffic arrangements, vehicles must be parked only in designated areas, and motorists are requested to obey traffic regulations. Several roads will be temporarily closed, with special free and paid parking facilities arranged.
A special shuttle bus service is also in operation for devotees visiting the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple during the exposition. In addition, the Railway Department has arranged special train services for the convenience of devotees. These trains will operate until February 10 from Avissawella, Rambukkana, and Aluthgama to Colombo Fort.
The public veneration of the Sacred Relics is being held with the support of the Government of India, following discussions between President Dissanayake and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Prime Minister’s recent visit to Sri Lanka.
The Sacred Devnimori Relics were discovered during excavations in the 1960s at the Devnimori site in Gujarat, India. These relics have never previously been taken outside India, making this a rare and historic opportunity for Sri Lankan devotees.
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