Mr Chalk and I have just returned back from a most wonderful holiday in Sri Lanka. We have visited this beautiful country a few times before and what always strikes us is the friendliness and kindness of the people. They always want to stop and chat, also they love to help you. This time was no different but we also saw the most amazing example of their faith and devotion.

Whilst we were in Sri Lanka we visited Kandy, the ancient capital. We had been there previously, back in 2007, to witness the incredible Esala perahera, a sparkling and vibrant religious procession where the sacred ‘Buddha’s tooth’ is carried by an elephant through the streets. We were with our children that time and they could not quite believe the sights and sounds, elephants covered in beautiful lights, rhythmic drumming, fire dancing, a chaotic but quite wonderful festival. The perahera happens once a year, in August.

It was pure coincidence that when we went this time it was at the exact time of another religious ceremony, where the Sri Lankan people actually get to queue up and see the Buddha’s tooth in situ, within the temple. This only happens once every 16 years, so we were very lucky. We arrived in the city to see many kilometres of queues, all ages of people from babies to the elderly, queuing for days, sleeping on the hard ground. It was a most humbling site. People come in buses from all over the country, several million in total.

Our hotel was right in the centre and the staff asked us if we would like to help make up packages up food for the pilgrims and deliver them. We had quite the production line going, wrapping up 500 meals of rice, curry and Dahl then taking them out to the people in the street. I can honestly say it was one of the best experiences I have ever had, I shall never forget it. Oh and I should just add that the hotel we were staying at was Muslim. How about that? Muslims giving out food to Buddhists, rest of the world take note!

I feel so blessed to have witnessed such devotion. Our world often seems so materialistic and shallow, but to see people who still have a profound religious faith that appears to make them happy and thankful is quite awe inspiring. Their Buddhist beliefs are simple and pure but give their lives such meaning.

Perhaps it wasn’t such a coincidence that we happened to be in Kandy at this time?

love and best wishes to you all,

wendy x