Early Vesak in Bush Capital

Panduka Senanayake

Usually when the Lankan Buddhist community in the bush capital marks the thrice blessed day of Vesak on May 24, it is closer to the onset of winter.

The winds gusting down from the Brindabella Mountain ranges, to the west of Canberra, pick up the cold from the snow-capped peaks to wrap anyone not appropriately dressed in bone chilling cold. But through the years they have come, from as far away as Cooma about 100 kms away on the foothills to the Brindabellas irrespective of the weather, to participate in the marking of Vesak to sing Bhakthi gee and to mix with their friends and relatives and partake in the food, the hoppers, string hoppers, pittu, vadey and other preparations.

But the cold had always been a challenge, forcing people to leave early.

Considering the number of new arrivals, including children, the temple committee of the Kambah Buddhist Vihara decided to advance plans to enable people to stay longer and experience as best they could what they would have back home in Sri Lanka. The Vesak festival was held on the second weekend of May.

For the second year in succession there was a large 'Thorana' with nearly a thousand LEDs. The teething problems of the previous year were overcome and it flashed away into the night.

Vesak lanterns including a revolving 'kuduwa' attracted the attention of the young. Some youngsters trained in drama by adults staged 'Chula Setty Jathaka', and were followed devotional songs. And the singers from Cooma merited a special mention for their singing and the dedication for attending several years in a row.

All the food stalls were kept busy. Queues of Sri Lankans and others from the multicultural community, who have a penchant for Lankan food, kept the stall holders busy well into the night.

The Sri Lanka High Commission held a Vesak lantern competition for children on May 24 and 25.