Exposition in Matara today:

When the sacred Kapilavastu relics came to Anuradhapura

The specially made casket to carry the Sacred Relics

The President and other dignitaries paying homage to the Sacred Relics

Bhikkhus chanting Pirith at the airport after the Relics were brought

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 from the previous venue (Pelmadulla).

The Sacred Relics were be on display at the Jayanthi Viharaya, Anuradhapura from 24 to 26 August 2012. Over 220,000 devotees paid homage at the Rajamaha Viharaya, Pelmadulla, the second venue of the exposition a media release issued by the Indian High Commision stated.

Well before the start of the exposition at Anuradhapura, a large number of people gathered to pay homage 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 five hours which delayed the start of the exposition in Anuradhapura.

This did not deter the devotees who waited patiently in the extremely hot andhumid weather that prevailed at Anuradhapura.

Some devotees had come to the venue the day before and had spent the night outside the venue being 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.