Vesak Day Celebrations in Sri Lanka
by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai
Vesak encompasses the birth, enlightenment (Nirvana) and passing away (Parinirvana) of Gauthama Buddha. Prince Siddhartha was born on the Fullmoon day in May known as Vesak in 623 BC in the Lumbini Park in Kapilavathu, which is in modern Nepal.
Buddhists around the world celebrate Vesak on May 27th and 28th 2010 by observing the eight percepts, meditation, partake in vegetarian meals, giving charity and bathing the Buddha statue.
Siddhartha Gauthama became enlightened at the age of 35 and called Buddha. The Buddha passed away at the age of 80 near Kushinagara, which is in Uttar Pradesh.
It’s a colourful celebration. Buddhists in Nepal, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam celebrate Vesak today.
Lanterns for sale in Moratuwa
Lantern making is an art
People throng the streets to buy lanterns
Despite the wet weather condition the celebration continues
Piyaseeli Zoysa and her husband Stanley Zoysa are seen making lanterns for sale. They have been in business for the past seven years
Vesak greeting cards are for sale
Ganegoda Vithana Nilu Arachchige is seen busy making lanterns. He had been making lanterns for more than four decades
Pandol is being made in Moratuwa
Dove on a pandol
Along the Marine drive in Bambalapitty
____________________________________________
HumanityAshore.org ~ Email: dushi.pillai@gmail.com
i show it and wonder full to see it,
you have taken lot of time to take pictures
its very good
thanks again,
Thank you very much. They are lovely photos.
Please take some photos of Hindu festivals and publish them too. We used to enjoy Vale festival and procession in Colombo when we were kids.