Amadahara Vesak Zone glitters for Vesak

by Nadira Gunatilleke

The public can view a memorable panorama in the heart of Colombo city when the Amadahara Vesak Zone is lit up this evening. It will be one of the most beautiful views in the city of Colombo.

Apart from illuminations, other Vesak programs within the zone are Dhamma Deshana, alms givings and the special radio transmission Amadahara FM (96.1) which will commence during the day.

One of the highlights of Amadahara is the Bhakthi Gee recital to be conducted by the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited (ANCL). Popular songstress Nelu Adikari and singer Iman Perera will join the recital.

All institutions will hold their own Vesak programs under the theme Amadahara. ANCL will conduct its usual Vesak program including coriander Dansela a Bhakthi Gee recital and Vesak Lantern competition. Orange, the number one in electrical wiring accessories company in Sri Lanka, is the main sponsor of the ANCL Vesak celebrations this year. The first prize will be Rs. 125,000 and winners, will also receive several other cash prizes.

D. R. Wijewardena Mawatha (up to Gamini Cinema Hall), Chittampalam A. Gardiner Mawatha (Trans Asia Hotel area), Olcott Mawatha, Bank of Ceylon Mawatha, Lotus Road (Galle Face), Foad, Fort Railway station area and all the other roads within the zone will be illuminated during the festival.

Budusarana, ANCL, Finance Ministry, President's Secretariat, HDFC, National Housing Development Authority, Transport Ministry, Inland Revenue Department, Harbour, Sri Lanka Telecom, Ceylon Electricity Board, private and State banks including Bank of Ceylon Lake House Branch, the International Branch of the People's Bank, Fort Police and Armed Forces, Three Wheel Association, Pavement Hawkers' Association and several other organisations and institutions will join Amadahara with their Vesak programs.

'Amadahara FM', a special Vesak radio transmission will be broadcast on band 96.1 on May 23 and 24 from 10 am to midnight. Live programs will be telecast over this transmission. The transmission will broadcast from a special studio in front of ANCL using several loudspeakers.

Meanwhile, our Jaffna Special correspondent said elaborate arrangements have been made to celebrate Vesak in Jaffna, on pious harmonious and reverential note. Security forces at Palaly have chosen the Jaffna Duraiappa Stadium to hold the Vesak celebration. Vesak pandals and colourful lanterns will decorate the entire stadium.

Vesak celebrations will commence today and end on May 25. Celebrations will be held from 7 p.m. to midnight.

Major General Sunil Tennakoon told the press that the importance of the Buddha's preachings and Vesak celebrations are felt keener than ever before.

"In a land like Sri Lanka where multi racial, multi lingual and multi religious people live, the period of Vesak provides an opportunity for inter racial, cultural and religious accord and interaction to enhance a sustainable peace in our island. The Navy and the Police will also join in the decoration of Vesak pandals and lanterns," he said.

A notable feature of the Vesak celebration will be the observance of religious rites like Bodhi Pooja, Sil and Bana preaching throughout today at the Naga Vihara, Jaffna and at the Vihara in Kandarodai.

Alms will be given to devotees at the Naga Vihara, Jaffna and at the Vihara at Kandarodai and at Kodikamam, Ushan and Varany.

Bakthi Gee competitions are arranged among the male and female soldiers.

Cash prizes will be awarded to the 10 best Vesak lanterns.