Why this ban on Vesak pandals?
In all newspapers, both Sinhala and English, the striking headlines ‘Ban on Pandals on Vesak and Poson Poya Days’, appear. It is also stated that this action was taken by the Minister for Buddhasasana, Jayawickrama Perera, at a request by the Mahanayake Theras to encourage Buddhists to engage in spiritual activities. The President of All Ceylon Sasanarakshaka Balamandalaya of Colombo and Chilaw Disawes and Chancellor of Kelaniya University, Ven. Wellampitiyawe Kusaladhamma Thera too has supported this call.
I wonder whether the Buddhasasana Minister, the Mahanayaka Theras and the President of Sasanarakshaka Balamandalaya are unaware, have forgotten or overlooked what is said in the Paranibbana Sutta when Ven. Ananda announced the demise – Parinibbana to Mallas. In the book titled “Last Days of the Buddha - Maha Parinibbana” by Sister Vajira, translated from Pali to English. – Mallas were very sorry that they could not pay homage and called upon every Malla, the men, wives, sons, daughters and went to Sala Grove, the recreation grounds of Mallas. They gathered with perfumes, flower garlands, music and went to pay their last respects with music, dance, flower garlands. This they did for six days before removal of the remains of the Thathagatha.
If what is said in Parinibbhana Sutta is accepted and the performance of Mallas with music, dance, what is wrong in the present day Buddhists to celebrate Vesak on a grand scale, by having Olu Bakkas, Borukakul Karayas, Kavedi and Veddah dances to the accompaniment of drum beat and flutes, go in a Perahara (procession) with highly decked elephants, chanting Sadhu! Sadhu!
G. A. D. Sirimal
Boraleshamuwa
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