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Buddhist expatriates preparing for biggest pageant in London

by Victor Jayanetti, our London correspondent

Following their great success in creating the first ever Buddhist pageant to parade the busy streets of central London last year; the organising committee of the great event held their inaugural meeting to launch this year's event at the London Buddhist Vihara on May 5th, with the blessings of the Maha Sangha. Thousands of Buddhists and people of all different faiths flocked to London last year, witnessing the most colourful splendour parading through the streets. With memories of last year's success still fresh in their minds, the committee sat down to discuss ways of refining and improving this year's show. The arrangements for this year's event are again being made under the auspices of the Organisation for the Promotion of an International Buddha Day set up by the Sinhala Bala Mandalaya and the Heladiva Padanama in the UK. This Sri Lankan pageant (Perahera), which is held to commemorate Wesak in London, will take place on Saturday 29th June 2002. Speaking to 'Daily News', Gamini Keerthichandra, President of Sinhala Bala Mandalaya said that the date was chosen as such to avoid any conflict with the current Sri Lankan cricket tour. This year's pageant will begin from Marble Arch and end at the Peace Pagoda in Battersea Park. The Maha Sangha will chant pirith en route in a specially constructed Mandapa atop the deck of a moving vehicle. It will be only the second time that 'Pirith Chanting' will be performed along the streets of London, the first time being last year. Gamini further said that the main aim of this event is to spread the Lord Buddha's teachings of tolerance, compassion and peace internationally, in a world that is lacking many of these qualities.

Addressing the inaugural meeting of the organising committee, Ven Dr. Medagama Vajiragnana Nayaka Thera, Sangha Nayaka of Great Britain and Head of the London Buddhist Vihara, said that last year's event was a tremendous success and thanked the committee and all those who helped for their hard work. He hoped that this year's event will be even grander and encouraged the committee to keep up the good work.

K.A.N. Amarasinghe, the secretary of the organisation, said that last year's perahera, whilst very successful, was a pioneering event and there were many lessons to be learnt. He invited the committee and the Maha Sangha to take part in a live discussion on how to build on their strengths and overcome their weaknesses. The Maha Sangha and the committee made many interesting constructive ideas and suggestions.

Gamini Keerthichandra, President of the Sinhala Bala Mandalaya said that although this was a religious event it was also an occasion to promote our country and our culture. He said that he had made arrangements for the Sri Lankan Army Cultural Troupe to be brought from Sri Lanka to participate in this Buddhist cultural pageant. He informed the audience that although the arrangements were nearly completed, there were a few logistical problems associated with accommodation and transport to be sorted out. He asked for the committee's help, especially with regard to accommodation.

It was agreed by all those present at the meeting that this is an international event, where all Buddhist communities living in the UK can take part. Therefore invitations are being sent to all Buddhist temples in the United Kingdom and Europe.

Organisers expect that this year's pageant will also be very colourful and once again, the red, yellow, white and blue colours of the Buddhist flag will flutter in the gentle breeze and the throbbing sounds of the Hevisi, Davul and Thammattam will beat a rhythm for the white clad men, women and children to march through the streets of London.

Many Buddhist monks from other temples and supporters from other organisations who were unable to attend the meeting due to pre-arranged commitments pledged their wholehearted support and blessing for the success of the event.

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