By Palitha Ariyarathna 

The recent exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic was a monumental event that demonstrated the profound spiritual devotion of Sri Lankans. Held from April 18 to April 27, 2025, it marked the first public display of the relic in 16 years. The event drew over 500,000 devotees to the Dalada Maligawa in Kandy, a testament to the sacred relic’s importance in Buddhist culture. However, while spiritually uplifting, the event revealed significant challenges in managing such a large gathering.

The Dalada Maligawa is one of Sri Lanka’s most revered religious sites, serving as the spiritual heart of the nation. Housing the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha, this temple is a beacon of Buddhist culture and tradition. The relic, believed to be the left canine tooth of the Enlightened One, holds an extraordinary place in Sri Lanka’s history. It was brought to the island in the 4th century AD by Prince Danta and Princess Hemamali during the reign of King Kirti Sri Meghavarna. For centuries, the relic has symbolized the sovereignty of rulers, safeguarded as a divine testament to their legitimacy and spiritual connection to the Dhamma. Today, the Dalada Maligawa continues to attract millions of pilgrims each year, serving as a place for devotees to seek blessings and deepen their faith. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kandy represents the cultural and spiritual legacy of Sri Lanka.

This year’s exposition allowed devotees to visit within a fixed time frame, typically between 11:00 AM and 5:30 PM daily. During peak days, over 120,000 devotees venerated the Sacred Tooth Relic, underscoring the logistical challenges posed by such massive crowds. Across the 10-day period, total attendance numbers were expected to exceed two million. The event’s scale highlighted the urgent need for better crowd management strategies and infrastructure planning.

While this year’s exposition was a profoundly significant event, it also highlighted logistical challenges that need to be addressed. The massive influx of devotees, coupled with unseasonal heat, led to severe health emergencies. Over 420 individuals required medical assistance within a single day, and tragically, three deaths were reported during the event. The streets surrounding the temple were left strewn with litter, as the lack of adequate waste disposal facilities failed to accommodate the crowds. Traffic congestion further exacerbated frustrations, with queues stretching up to 10 kilometers. Additionally, the introduction of a separate VIP queue caused unrest, sparking protests among ordinary devotees who felt neglected after waiting in extreme conditions.

Moving forward, it is essential to adopt a more structured and comprehensive approach to crowd management for future events. A pre-registration system could be implemented to control the number of visitors each day. This system could be organized by district to ensure equitable access across the country. Each district could be allocated a fixed number of attendance slots, helping to distribute crowd density more evenly. Local temples and government offices could assist those without internet access in registering, ensuring that no devotee is excluded. To further streamline the experience, visitors could be assigned specific time slots for entering the venue. Additionally, incorporating real-time monitoring through surveillance systems would allow authorities to track crowd movement and respond promptly to any issues.

Creating temporary resting and assistance zones in large empty spaces such as stadiums or grounds near the Dalada Maligawa could provide significant relief for attendees. These zones could include shaded areas, hydration points, medical aid stations, and overnight stay facilities for those traveling long distances. Organizing scheduled relocations from these zones to the main queues could further alleviate congestion and reduce physical strain on devotees, especially the elderly and children.

Upgrading public facilities in and around the temple is another key consideration. Increasing the availability of sanitation facilities and shaded waiting areas is essential for maintaining comfort and dignity during events of this scale. Dansals, or free food distribution points, could be expanded to meet the needs of larger crowds.

Traffic management strategies also require attention. Designated parking areas and shuttle services to transport devotees into Kandy could help ease congestion. Collaborating with transportation authorities to implement temporary road closures and controlled diversions would further streamline vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

Security must also be a priority. Deploying specialized security teams trained in crowd management, installing access control systems, and using surveillance tools such as thermal imaging can enhance safety. Emergency response teams should be on standby to address unforeseen incidents, and clear communication protocols should be established to guide attendees in case of emergencies.

I bore witness to the full spectrum of human experiences—pain, grief, joy, and camaraderie—all woven into the fabric of this extraordinary event. While some viewed the ceremony through lenses of jealousy—political, religious, cultural, and business rivalries—the community spirit flourished nonetheless. As a native of Mahanuwara, I felt a deep connection to the collective effort displayed by the people of the region. Many devotees expressed gratitude, saying, We had enough food and everything we needed from your area. Thank you so much.” This statement is a powerful testament to the unity and generosity born from shared spiritual devotion, reminding us that compassion and gratitude are the true essence of such gatherings.

Maha Nuwara – Kandy’s unique geographic location as a hill city brings both charm and challenges. The limited availability of land and resources imposes constraints on large-scale infrastructure expansion. To overcome these barriers, it is essential for authorities to adopt innovative and strategic approaches to urban planning.

One possible solution involves utilizing nearby towns or areas outside Kandy as satellite hubs for event-related facilities. Temporary shelters, parking lots, and waste disposal systems can be established in these satellite locations, with shuttle services transporting devotees to the Dalada Maligawa. This decentralized approach reduces the strain on Kandy’s infrastructure while maintaining accessibility.

Additionally, leveraging technology to manage crowds and traffic virtually can be transformative. Pre-registration systems, AI-driven crowd monitoring, and real-time updates on queue lengths and parking availability could optimize resource utilization without requiring physical expansions.

Waste management systems need specific attention. Building advanced recycling facilities or collaborating with nearby regions to process waste could address the environmental impact of events. Portable waste disposal units and public education campaigns focused on reducing litter can also help maintain Kandy’s scenic beauty.

These strategies take into account Kandy’s geographic limitations while addressing the needs of large-scale gatherings. Implementing such measures would preserve the city’s heritage and infrastructure for future generations.

The government holds a significant responsibility in addressing the challenges posed by high-attendance events like the Sacred Tooth Relic exposition. Proper planning, infrastructure development, and systematic management are essential to ensure the safety and comfort of devotees while preserving the sanctity of such gatherings.

One of the most crucial steps is gathering comprehensive data from recent events. Detailed records of health emergencies, crowd density patterns, environmental impact, traffic congestion, and overall logistics should be compiled into a robust report. This evidence-based approach will allow authorities to identify gaps in infrastructure and operations, as well as design effective solutions for future events. Such a report should become a blueprint for strategic improvements, not only in Kandy but across the country.

Infrastructure development is fundamental. Building larger, more accessible roads, increasing parking facilities, enhancing public amenities, and creating dedicated waste management systems are long-term investments that would benefit not only religious gatherings but also the city’s overall functionality. Improved waste management, in particular, should be a priority, as the litter and environmental strain from the recent event underline the need for sustainable systems. Setting up more waste disposal points, recycling programs, and educating the public on responsible waste management could be transformative.

Furthermore, having structured policies for crowd management and event planning ensures accountability and consistency. The government should allocate budgets for conducting studies, implementing recommendations, and collaborating with local authorities and stakeholders to ensure inclusive participation.

The exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic is much more than a public gathering; it is a profound reflection of Sri Lanka’s Buddhist values. True VIPs in Buddhism are not recognized by their worldly privileges or status but by their spiritual achievements. By cultivating Sīla (morality), Samādhi (concentration), and Paññā (wisdom), devotees can aspire to embody the principles of Sotāpanna, Sakadāgāmi, Anāgāmi, or Arahant. These qualities, rather than material distinctions, truly honor the teachings of the Buddha and serve as an inspiration for building harmony and compassion in society.

“I have witnessed those who disregarded the Buddha’s teachings in every aspect of life—politically, culturally, and irreligiously—come forward during the Sacred Tooth Relic exposition to venerate Sri Danthadanu Hamuduruwo. Let this sacred act serve as a reminder: if you are truly a person of integrity and morality, not just a bearer of a ‘good name,’ then worshipping the Buddha must be more than tradition—it must be a heartfelt gratitude. This gratitude should extend to those who have tirelessly fought to protect the true existence of Sri Dalada Whansa, for they embody the essence of a true Sinhala Buddhist.”

By Palitha Ariyarathna 

(As of 27 April 2025, 5:30 PM)

Analyst of Buddhist Affairs, Desha Abhimani Surya Vansa Ratna Vibhushan President of TCFBI PEC (Unethical Conversion of Buddhist) International Co-ordinator, TCFBI Convenor, President, and Founder of Sinhala Buddhist Policy Centre Secretary, Hela Abhimani National Foundation Author, Publisher, and Journalist from Senkadagala Sinha Dwaraya

JICA Volunteer Team Member and Secretary for the Commercial Grid, Specialist in Large-Scale Project Management, with Hands-On Leadership in Beach Projects and Coastal Development  Oversaw safety protocols achieving zero casualties—both on land and water—for over one million participants in mass events.

Reference:

The exposition drew over 500,000 devotees over nine days, with significant waste management challenges and protests over VIP queues.

Schools in Kandy were temporarily closed to accommodate security personnel during the event.

The event concluded as scheduled after discussions with the President and religious leaders.

Daily attendance exceeded 120,000 devotees during peak days, with health emergencies and crowd management measures implemented.

The Kandy Municipal Council provided extensive support, including food distribution, public lavatories, and drinking water facilities.