Sri Lanka aglow in Poson Poya celebrations

Poson celebrations were widespread this week with major events taking place in Anuradhapura, Thantirimale and Mihintale.

Marking the day that Arahat Mahinda converted Sri Lanka’s king Devanampiyatissa to Buddhism, Poson is celebrated with almsgiving, Buddha pooja, aloka pooja and observation of sil.

Colombo also celebrated the event on a grand scale with Bhakthi Gee recitals and dansalas in several parts of the city. Gangarama temple saw a number of events including a Bhakthi Gee recital organised by a private company on Poson Poya day. With its Chief Incumbent the Ven Galaboda Gnaissara Thera as the chief guest.

In addition to this, several other religious ceremonies were organised at Mahiyangana, Mavaragala Aranya Senasanaya in Badulla, Somawahiya and Dimbulagala Aranya Senasanaya. A seela campaign was organised at Galviharaya with at least 5,000 participants.

The ancient Sithulpawwa Raja Maha Viharaya also conducted their annual Poson festival. An all night Pirith chanting and sil campaign took place under the guidance of the temple’s chief incumbent the Ven. Mataramba Hemaratana Thera. To mark the day a Buddha statue constructed in the temple premises was unveiled.

President Rajapaksa participated in a series of Poson celebrations this week. He visited the historic Somawathi Raja Maha Viharaya on June 10 and also participated in the sacred relic deposition ceremony at the Sanda Hiru Seya in Anuradhapura on Poson Poya day.

Today, Poson celebrations will take place in Thames Buddhist Vihara in Surrey, London. A sermon on ‘Arahat Mahinda and the Parable of the Elephants Footprints’ will be delivered by the Ven. Thawalama Bandula Thera, which will be followed by Buddha pooja led by the Ven. Kalugamuwe Kassapa and dana offerings. A special speech on ‘Poson Awakening’ will be made by Prof. Kate Crosby, Professor of Buddhist Studies in King’s College, London.