The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai together with Maha Mahind Vihar, Ulhasnagar, Maharashtra, organised Annual Kathina Ceremony on 14-15 October 2017.
The all night Pirith chanting ceremony was held on 14 October evening with the participation of the Mission staff. Ven. Naluwela Ananda Maha thero, Chief Incumbent of the Maha Mahind Vihar in Ulhasnagar along with members of the Maha Sangha residing in Maharashtra chanted Seth pirith invoking blessings.
Dr. Harshdeep Kamble, Development Commissioner (Industries) of Government of Maharashtra participated in the event as the guest of honour. Dr. Kamble highlighted the important role played by Sri Lanka in the international Buddhist arena as the custodian nation of Theravada Buddhism since the Mauryan Era. He also paid tribute to the Sri Lankan born Chief Prelate of the Maha Mahind Vihar ven. Naluwela Ananda Maha thero for a lifetime of service in preaching the Dhamma in India.
The Consul General addressed the event in Hindi highlighting that Buddhism was the foundation on which Indo-Lanka relations were fostered. she also emphasised that Sri Lanka took pride in nurturing the gift of Buddhism brought by Arahat Mahinda and was honoured to share it again with India and the rest of the world.
Consulate General of Sri Lanka
Mumbai, India
17th October 2017
