21/5/1999
The Buddha's Tooth Relic will be honoured at the Hong Kong Coliseum After its arrival in Hong Kong

1999 marks the first year when Buddha Sakyamuni's Birthday (8th day of the 4th moon of the Lunar Calendar) is made a public holiday in Hong Kong. For special celebration, the Hong Kong Buddhist Association has obtained the permission of the Central Government to escort the Buddha's Tooth Relic from Beijing to Hong Kong. The Buddha's Tooth Relic will be placed at the Hong Kong Coliseum for 7 consecutive days (22-28, May) for public worship. Celebrations on a district basis for Lord Buddha's Birthday will be held all over Hong Kong in ten districts. Members of the public are welcome to attend.

The Buddha's Tooth Relic arrived in Hong Kong on 21 May by special flight from Beijing. The airport authority had designated a special apron for the plane. A simple welcoming ceremony was held immediately after the Tooth Relic was unloaded. Mr. David Lan, Secretary for Home Affairs presented a bouquet amidst the chanting of prayers. Then the Tooth Relic was escorted to the Hong Kong Coliseum under police convoy.

Meanwhile, the welcoming party of faithful, guards of honour bearing banners, a band and a large crowd lined up at the Coliseum square to welcome the Tooth Relic.

When the Tooth Relic arrived, it was unloaded from the festooned vehicle. Its path was strewn with colourful sweet smelling flowers from "fairy maidens." The guards of honour bearing incense burners, lanterns and banners led the way. The Tooth Relic was carried by 16 bearers and escorted by the Ven. Kok Kwong. After parading round the arena once, the Tooth Relic was placed on stage. On the stage are seven Buddha statues beautifully decorated with flowers and offerings.

The ceremony started with the purification rites by Ven. Kok Kwong. Then a button was pressed and the Tooth Relic was gradually ascended on stage and enthroned in place.