Vesak Celebration in Canberra

May 22, 2014

 

Vesak Themagul, at the Sri Lanka High Commission in Canberra was celebrated from 14^th to 18^th May 2014 in a colourful manner dressing the High Commission building with large number of Buddhist flags, lights, lanterns.  Decorations were on display till the 5^th Ranaviru memorial Pinkama which fell on 18^th of May.

The (Petaw Kooduwa) a lantern inclusive of 20 sub lanterns rooting out of mother lantern, with changing colour reflections was the one main item of decorations.  It was hung over as to be sighted from far away.  Seven blossoming red lotus, with a creation of Prince Siddhartha revealing his first words at birth on the last lotus was the other main attraction.   Another single lantern represented blossoming flower.  Surrounding fence and the building around were covered with Buddhist flags and illuminated with bulb lines.

The Australian and Sri Lankan viewers were treated with a Dansala of tea, coffee and snack for two days.  Many viewers notably Australians, inquired about the reason for the function and were keen to know the meaning of this different lighting.  They admired thankfully about the beauty of Vesak decoration at the Mission.

All decorations were the creations of the High Commission staff.

The High Commission staff also participated in Vesak devotional songs (Bakhthi Gee) at the Canberra Buddhist temple which was highly appreciated by the large gathering for Vesak celebration.

 

High Commission of Sri Lanka

Canberra

20^th May 2014