Archives

Vesak at Mahabodhi, Chennai

by Anura Bandara Rajaguru

At a time when unity, peace and friendship is building up between the Sinhala and Tamil communities in the country , a unique Vesak festival is being arranged this year at the Mahabodhi Centre in Chennai India.

The Vesak festival to be held on May 26, Vesak Pasalosvaka Poya Day will include a mass sil campaign and a whole days program including Pirith chanting, religious discussions, Gilanpasa, Buddha Pooja and meditation programs conducted in Tamil, and a peace march through the streets. The program will conclude with a variety entertainment staged by Daham Pasala students.

This was revealed at a press conference held at the Mahabodhi Society headquarters at the Agra Sravaka Maha Viharaya, Maligakanda recently. The press conference presided over by Ven. Ittepane Dhammalankara Nayaka Thera and Ven. Banagala Upatissa Nayake Thera was attended by Mahabodhi Society Secretary M.M.P. Senaratne, Treasurer Vasantha Silva and Prime Minister's Press Secretary, Saman Athaudahetty.

Mahabodhi Society President Ven. Banagala Upatissa Nayake Thera addressing the press conference said currently when friendship is building up between the people in the South and North in Sri Lanka, Tamils in India too have shown a great interest in Buddhism. Harijans in Chennai in particular who constitute about 20 per cent of the local population have professed Theravada Buddhism.

This is the first time that these people will be joining in a mass sil campaign according to Theravada tradition. He said a group of eminent Bhikkhus including Ven. Kirama Vimalajothi, Ven. Brahamanawatte Seevali and Ven. Uduwana Ratanapala Theras will officiate at this mass sil campaign and the Vesak Program. 

News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security
Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries |

Produced by Lake House
Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager