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Heavy downpours not a damper in spreading the joy of Vesak
Vesak zone organised by the Gangarama temple, Colombo. Pic by Akila Jayawardena
Heavy showers did not deter people across the country from celebrating Vesak on a grander scale this year.
Thousands of devotees clad in white flocked to temples to observe Sil and participate in other religious observances, while colourful pandals and lanterns lit up the night sky.
While the National Vesak event was held in Matale, the “Buddha Rashmi” Vesak zone organised by the Gangarama temple, in Colombo also drew large crowds.
The harmonious sounds of Bakthi Gee filled the air, and the performance by the Navy at the Presidential Secretariat and on a brightly lit boat afloat the Beira Lake was a highlight.
Thousands thronged the many dansals that dotted the country, organised by large and small-scale organisations, various associations, and even groups of friends. There were some firsts for dansals this time; including ones that distributed agricultural seeds, initiated a registration programme for those interested in adopting puppies, and repaired bicycles.
While competitions were held to judge the most creative lanterns in various locations, the Buddhist Association of the Panadura Public Market traders attempted at the Guinness Book of Records by creating the world’s tallest pandal.
Devotees at Kelaniya temple. Pix by Indika Handuwala
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