Bauddhaloka Vesak - 2018 #04

Bauddhaloka Vesak - 2562
The Bauddhaloka Wesak Zone is being organized on a grand scale this year too.The Bauddhaloka Wesak Zone organized by the All Ceylon Buddhist Congress is being held this year for the 14th occasion.

The Wesak Zone which opened yesterday will operate until 06th Wednesday at Bauddhaloka Mawatha in Colombo 07.Among the highlights are the exposition of Sacred Relics, Wesak lanterns, Bakthi Gee recitals, Wesak creations and cultural pageants. ITN is the media sponsor of this Wesak Zone.

Apart from Sri Lanka, many Asian countries including India, Japan, Singapore and Taiwan celebrate Vesak. Many religious activities are organized during this period in Sri Lanka such as Sil campaigns, Bodhi Poojas, Dansalas (Freely giving foods, coffee, tea from people), Vesak devotional songs (Bakthi Gee), pandols (thoran) and lanterns.

Many temples get filled with devotees and pilgrims all over the country to mark this great event. In temples Buddhists worship, offer flowers, light lamps and burn incense. These traditional observances, in essence, have their value in satisfying the religious and emotional needs of the people.

Buddhists generally wear a white dress and go to the temple and participate in the traditional ceremonies. Many of them spend the whole day in the temple and reaffirm their determination to follow the teachings of Buddha.

Vesak lanterns called Vesak koodu are lit in most of the homes in Sri Lanka on Vesak poya day. The lighting signifies an offering to the memory of the Buddha who delivered the message of Dhamma. In ancient times, people used their clay oil lamps for illumination. When candles became popular, colourful lanterns were made in different shapes and colours were used. Many associations arrange competitions on Vesak lanterns with the creators of the most beautiful lanterns being awarded valuable prizes.
Buddha Rashmi Vesak, organised by the Gangaramaya Temple as well as the Prime Minister’s Office, is an extensive Vesak zone near the Beira Lake and Nawam Mawatha. An initiative by Venerable Galboda Gnanissara Thero, Chief Incumbent of Gangaramaya Temple, it seeks to encourage Buddhists and those from other religions to gather in Colombo to witness the beautiful decorations that reflect Vesak and Buddhism. Venerable Kirinde Assaji Thero says, this year too the festival will be held under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

On Poya day, at the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo, alms are given to 6,000 devotees who observe Sil. In the evening hours, the entire area, from the streets to the Beira Lake twinkle with colour and light. Seema Malakaya glows in the decorations of Vesak. Beautiful lanterns made by school children and stunning creations by craftsmen from across the island will be showcased. The spiritual sounds of Bhakthi Gee will fill the air throughout the night. The Sacred Relics from Pakistanwill be displayed at Temple Trees.

The Gangaramaya Temple has been able to create a peaceful and a safe environment so that fam- ilies and visitors from overseas can witness the true essence of Vesak. Refreshments are provided for everyone. Buddha Rashmi Vesak will be held from April 29 to May 2, 2018, from 7pm onward.