In May of 1985 Amaravati was officially opened by a Maha Sangha that included monks from traditional Buddhist countries as well as from Britain. Almost the whole site had been decorated with streamers, flags and bunting; combined with the power such a gathering makes, the day produced an inspiring mix of auspicious devotion and festive delight.

The ceremonious culmination was the enshrining of Buddha relics in the white stupa that had been specially built for the occasion. This was done by Luang Por Panyananda, who still maintains a strong link with the Amaravati Sangha.