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First ever Vesak pandal on British soil

by Victor Jayanetti, Our London Correspondent

When a group of Sri Lankan Buddhists in London, got together in early May to construct a Vesak Pandal for Letchworth Buddhist Temple, they were oblivious to the fact that it could create Buddhist history.

A lot of hard work and three weeks later, the fifteen feet high and ten feet wide illuminated structure became the first ever Vesak pandal to be built on British soil. Latha Gunathunga, the pioneering secretary who brought the first Buddhist Temple to Letchworth in Hertfordshire, was behind the original idea while Jayantha Gonaduwa, with the help of devotees built the pandal which depicted the story 'Serivanija Jatakaya'. Illuminated in six colours of the Buddhist flag the pandal stood under a protective roof. During the dark nights of May, illuminated with flashing LED lights, the pandal was something unusual to be seen in Hertfordshire for the passers-by.

Devotees from many cultural backgrounds, English, Indian, Malaysian, Burmese and Sri Lankans from far and near gathered throughout the week to honour Lord Buddha, to learn more about the peaceful religion and pray for a life of happiness and harmony.

For hundreds of Sri Lankans who gathered on Vesak full moon night, it brought fond memories of Sri Lanka, the day they celebrated the birth, enlightenment and passing away of Lord Buddha. The days and evenings they spent roaming the streets of Colombo seeing beautifully decorated and illuminated pandals.

Speaking to 'Daily News' Latha Gunatunge said that she was very encouraged by the huge response received from the public and hope to make it an annual cultural event in Hertfordshire, England.

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