Vesak on grand scale in Kilinochchi

Vesak is the most sacred day observed by Buddhists in Sri Lanka and the world over.

Vesak encompasses the Birth, Enlightenment (Nirvana) and Passing Away (Parinirvana) of Gautama Buddha.

The celebration of Vesak for Year 2013 at Kilinochchi is unique due to numerous reasons. As per the Buddhist calendar the year is 2556 and Vesak Day falls on May 24, 2013. Kilinochchi, being one of the transit places of Mahinda Thera, the first-born son of the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka who visited Kilinochchi nearly 2,319 years ago, will be witnessing a grand celebration of Veask after so many decades in history.

Security Forces personnel at Kilinochchi will be erecting the largest Pandol ever made in the northern area to mark the occasion. Service personnel of the Army, Air Force and Police have made financial donations in addition to manpower, technological expertise with sheer dedication and commitment towards this purpose.

It is heartening to note that many donors also have come forward to assist this noble endavour from all around Sri Lanka. Work on the giant pandol which will be on display from May 24 to 31 at the Kilinochchi Central College Ground complex is in progress.

The Pandol will depict the greatest character of Emperor Ashoka, who conquered, brought peace and united most of present-day India and later dedicated himself to the propagation of Buddhism across Asia.

The Pandol will depict the Ashoka philosophy since Ashoka regarded Buddhism as a doctrine that could serve as a cultural foundation for political unity in India. The Pandol which will be decorated with more than 30,000 bulbs, will be 38 feet in height and 42 feet in length.

The digitally controlled modern lighting system developed by the Army Engineers will add glamour and colour to the Pandol and the special technical control room will be kept open for the general public to visit. This will be a novel experience for visitors.

The aim of displaying the Pandol is to spread the message of peace, sharing cultural and religious sentiments with the people of Kilinochchi who were deprived of the privilege for so many years and to enlighten the school children to the splendor of cultural and religious diversity.

A Vesak Kalapaya will be organized at Kilinochchi Central College grounds. The Vesak Kalapaya will include a Maha Bath Dansela, Ice cream Dansela, Vesak Bhakthi Gee and a Vesak drama. The A9 road stretch from Mankluam junction to Kokavil junction will be decorated with Buddhist flags and Vesak lanterns.

This will certainly provide a novel cultural and religious experience for the communities in Kilinochchi paving the way towards religious harmony.