Generally, expositions are held between 1 and 6 pm. But due to security reasons, the exposition will commence at 10.30 a.m. The chanting of pirith, Kavikara Maduwa sessions, conch blowings and drumbeats announce the forthcoming event. The keys to the first casket are kept with the Diyawadana Nilame, while some are with the Malwatta prelate and others with the Asgiriya prelate. The keys are kept in gold containers and are treated with utmost respect and not handed over to any others.
All jewellery is removed, inventoried and sealed and returned to a special safe thereafter.
A human hand does not touch the Relic at any time. The Diyawadana Nilame, having washed his hands in sandalwood water, uses a satin cloth to remove the Relic and lays it upon a white lotus inside the exposition casket. On the day of the exposition, the caskets are opened at an auspicious time. Besides the two prelates, five priests from both Chapters should necessarily be present at the time to assist the Diyawadana Nilame. Originally, the Relic was displayed in the casket known as the gem-studded 'Hemamala casket' in which the Dalada was carried to Sri Lanka.