Illuminating the spirit of Vesak!

Ruwini Jayawardana

Amidst the serenity and tranquility of Vesak, a range of brilliant lights, mind soothing music and melodious recitals of verses relating age old tales, take centre stage.

Thousands of blinking bulbs in a variety of vibrant shades paint striking patterns upon pandals. Such creations with the combined efforts of the public, highlight the collective spirit of the season and set the tone of the wisdom behind the Buddha’s teachings to his disciples.

More than fifty individuals: artists, painters, electricians and minor workers, play their part in constructing this brilliant work of art which brightens up the street as night descends upon the sky on Vesak day.

It is not only a broad-scale display of artistic talent but one which embodies a message since ancient Jathaka tales taken from the Pansiya Panas Jathakaya as well as some interesting incidents from the Buddha’s life are revived. It is believed that the illuminating lights of the pandal symbolize the light that the Buddha shed on the lives of the laity, guiding them towards enlightenment.

The ‘thorana’ as it is widely referred to among the Sinhalese, takes many shapes today. From traditional triangular forms to structures like butterflies, birds and trees, the pandal has come a long way from simple designs to elaborate works of art.

Its captivating essence emerges from the quality of the artists’ work to the structure and lighting systems. All these combined together create a spectacular display.

The success of the construction is finally measured by how much time each of the viewers linger in front of the creation, taking in and commenting on the minute details of the masterpiece.

The artists and crew do not have money in mind as they work painstakingly hard to set the creation ready in time for Vesak.

“We get a lot of self satisfaction when we see the final display of our work. It is part of the aura of goodwill which takes over this time of year. We feel that our hard work is paid off if the creations please the public,” Sumanasekara who had been painting pandals for two decades, said.

He said that pandals provide a platform for emerging artists to display their skills to the public, and that masses flood in when the word goes round that a pandal emboding attractive features had been set up in the city.

A pandal is seen as an epitome of unity and hard work. Once a sponsor decides on the story, the team gets together and discusses on how they will take strides in setting up the magnificent creation on a set date.

Sketches are chosen later and the artists prepare their drawings on hardboard and send the product to the electricians to decide on where the lights are fitted.

Meanwhile, the rough body of the pandal takes shape and lastly the pieces of the construction are pieced together to make the final product. Finally, the face of the Buddha which had been veiled by a white cloth, is uncovered to signify that the work is complete and that the pandal is ready for display.

Easier said than done for the task is no cake walk, as Sumanasekara stressed, the bulk of the creations fall on the artists. The artists divide the significant incidents of the chosen tale into chunks to fit the number of paintings which make up the structure of the pandal.

Mastering all their skill, the artists set to breathe life into the characters of the story and with each brushstroke, they bring to life the breath-taking images which will adorn the final creation.

Work on the ‘thorana’ normally begins at an auspicious time. Activities like handing over the advance money, placing the first arecanut plank for the structure of the ‘thorana’, assembling the components and unveiling the pandal are all performed during auspicious times. Similarly, the eyes of the Buddha in the paintings are done at a set time named Nethra Naketha.

The entire team work continuously to meet the deadline so that the pandal will be complete in time for Vesak. Their sponsors back them, adding their comments as it is essential for them to be satisfied with the final version before it is put on display.

It may be a time-consuming and expensive task but one which is well worth all the hard work if they are rewarded by exclamations of pleasure and wonder by those who feast their eyes on the product.

Many captivating pandals will light up Colombo this year. Chief among them are those constructed in Gangarama, Thotalanga, Paliyagoda, Rajagiriya, Malabe, Panadura, Wadduwa and Dematagoda. The 55ft tall and 55ft wide pandal at Panadura portrays the Mahasaala Brahmana Jataka and is organized by Eksath Welanda Sangamaya of the Panadura market.

The proprietors of Wadduwa traders and Industrial Association have set up a pandal depicting the Thelapaththa Jatakaya. The spectacular creation, their maiden effort, is constructed in the heart of Wadduwa Public Market.

In Kandy too, near the George E. de Silva Market Complex, a dazzling pandal is set to project the story of Subha Therani. The art work of this colourful thorana is done by artist P.M. Abeysinghe of Peradeniya with the help of J.G. Weerasinghe.

The lighting systems are handled by Jagath Ruwan Kumara of Charu Sound and Electricals. The stall owners at the George E. de Silva Market Complex have played their part in setting up this magnificent creation.

Though Vesak naturally comes to mind when we use the word ‘thoran’ it is also a part of the Hindu religions practice. Hindus set up temporary structures of colourful drawings lit up with bulbs to venerate the goddess Durga during Durga Puja.

Similarly pandals are also a part of Gammaduwa (village rebirth) festivals performed to honour the goddess Pattini, one of the main deities worshipped by the locals.

A ceremonial gate built to welcomes visitors to a special function can also be called a ‘thorana’ though it may lack the décor and lighting systems included in religious festivals.

Vesak signifies the themagula: birth, attainment of Buddhahood and passing away of the Buddha. The festive aura of this Buddhist festival is brought about by the Vesak lanterns, pandals, clay lamps and dansals. They are considered as part of the nation’s tribute to the Buddha and as part of spreading the goodwill that he had cultivated on earth.

Not surprisingly, at such times when homes and streets are filled with the atmosphere of religious festivity, it is not limited to a particular sect.

The beauty of Vesak decorations beckons to young and old irrespective of religion. Many gather to venture along the streets in the moonlight to embark on sightseeing strolls after dark for the clear sky lit up by the moon is a dazzling contrast to the land below, lit up by thousands of colourful décor.

If you witness the sight from above, no doubt you would wonder whether the stars have exchanged their place, from the sky with the land below, for millions of tiny lights sparkle along the streets and compounds, a magnificent sight to behold!