Aluth Sahal Mangalyaya on April 1,2

The very special festival of the Sri Lankan rice farmers Aluth Sahal Mangalyaya (Festival of newly harvested rice) will be held with President Mahinda Rajapaksa presiding over it in the precincts of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Anuradhapura on April 1 and 2.

The event is organized by the Agriculture and Agrarian Services Ministry offering lotus flowers to the Sri Maha Bodhi, sprinkling milk at the four gates of the holy shrine, pahan pooja and an all night Pirith Chanting by the Maha Sangha, a Government Information Department press release stated yesterday.

On April 2 after offering milk based delicacies to the Sri Maha Bodhi, the Aluth Sahal procession will start from the precincts of the Swarnamali Maha Thupa and the distinguished invitees will participate in the procession. Thereafter portions of the new rice will be distributed among farmers representatives of all provinces.

This will be followed by the offering of Pirikara to the Sri Maha Bodhi followed by a Buddha pooja and alms to the Maha Sangha and lay pilgrims at the shrine.