Vesak celebrations

Edward Weerasinghe Kelaniya group correspondent

Badulla

The annual Vesak festival of Muthiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya, Badulla will commence on May 26.

Relics of the Buddha will be on display for public veneration on this day.

The perahera will parade the streets on May 27 and 28, chief caretaker of Muthiyangana temple Ven. Muruthdeniye Dhammaratana Thera said.

Matara

The Young Men's Buddhist Association will conduct its annual Vesak program on May 27.

This year's programs include sil campaigns, meditation sessions, gilanpasa and Buddha poojas, dharmadesahana and dharma discussions. The maha Dansala will be on May 28 night. Bakthi gee by students will also be held.

Kelaniya

Schools in the Kelaniya zone will organize Buddha Jayanthi Vesak programs from May 27 to 29 on the instructions of Kelaniya Zonal Education Director M. S. Chandrasekera.

Schoolchildren, teachers and principals will observe Atasil and participate in a meditation program on Vesak Full Moon Poya Day.

Meanwhile, special Vesak religious ceremonies have been organized by Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya Chief Incumbent Ven. Prof. Kollupitiye Mahinda Shangharakkitha Nayake Thera on Vesak Poya Day.CTB Kelaniya and Kadawata depots will provide special bus services for devotees visiting the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya on Vesak Poya Day.

Kadawata

The Lasantha Alagiyawanna Foundation in collaboration with the Mahara Pradeshiya Sabha and the Mahara Divisional Secretariat has organised a Vesak Zone from Kadawata town to Kirillawala.

The Vesak Zone will be decorated and illuminated and several religious and other events are included in the program. Vesak lantern contest, Bhakthi gee programs and a dansala are also scheduled.

The program will be held at New Kadawata town on May 27, 28, 29 and 30. Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa will participate.Over Rs. 1 million will be presented to Vesak lantern competition winners, Mahara Divisional Secretary Thamara D. Perera said.

Kiribathgoda

A Vesak lantern competition, a concept of Highways Deputy Minister Mervyn Silva, organised by the Kelaniya Pradeshiya Sabha, Suhada Eksath Welenda Sangamaya, Kiribathgoda, Kelaniya and Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya will be held at Kiribathgoda town from May 27 to 31.

The best Vesak lantern will receive Rs. 100,000, second and third places winners will receive Rs. 50,000 and Rs. 25,000. Fourth to 10th place winners will receive special gifts and certificates. Applications will be accepted till May 25. Contact Sudath Rohitha of the Kelaniya Pradeshiya Sabha on 0772293120 or 0112914110 for details.

Pothuwatawana

A rice dansala organized by the United Young Men's Organization of Thopputhota in the Wennappuwa electorate will be held at the Community Centre hall, Thopputhota on May 27 and 28.

Ambagahawatte

A pandal depicting the Sama Jathakaya organized by Minuwangoda, Ambagahawatte Sahana Seva Buddhist Centre will be displayed from May 27 to June 1.

Minuwangoda

A rice dansala and Vesak lantern competition organised by Minuwangoda, Gurtlandwatte Village Development Society and Sanasa Society will be held on May 27 at 6 p.m.

Maradhagahamula

A pandal erected by the Maradhagahamula Wiesshakya Buddhist Society will be on display during the Vesak week in Maradhagahamula.

Minuwangoda

The annual Vesak perahera organized by the Minuwangoda Rajamaha Viharaya will parade the streets on May 27 at 7 p.m.

Panadura

The Bodu Pubudu Tharuna Samajaya of Panadura will hold a Bath Dansela on May 27 at 11.00 a.m. at Uyankelle Cross Road, Panadura to commemorate its 10th anniversary.