The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Kathmandu celebrated the 2558th Vesak celebrations (Buddha Poornima Festivities) on 15th May 2014 at the Embassy premises with the participation of Ven. Mahasangha of Buddhist temples in Kathmandu, the Sri Lankan community in Nepal, media personnel and other devotees.
Vesak is the most important religious festival for all Buddhists, which marks the birth, enlightenment and the passing away of Lord Gautama Buddha. Vesak celebration also means making special efforts to bring happiness to the people in straitened circumstances.
A religious procession was organized from the Official Residence of the Sri Lankan Ambassador to the Embassy carrying the statue of Lord Buddha, Gilanpasa Buddha Puja, Sesath, Murayuda, Buddhist flags etc. Ven. Maha Sanga from various temples and other devotees participated in the Perahera.
After the observance of “Pansil” (five precepts) by Ven. Dharmamurthi Maha Thero of Anandakuti Vihar, Ven. Tapassi Dhamma Thero of Charumati Vihara conducted Gilanpasa Buddha Pooja.
Ven. Ananda Thero of Sangharama Vihar & Ven. Sobitha Thero of Gana Maha Vihara delivered special Dhamma sermons and explained to the devotees the importance of Vesak and how Buddhist principles can be applied.
The Sri Lankan Ambassador to Nepal, W.M. Senevirathna addressed the gathering, highlighting the importance of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and Vesak, as the most celebrated religious festival for Buddhists all over the world. Ambassador thanked the religious dignitaries and all other invitees for their participation at the event.
In this year too, a special segment of devotional songs or Bhakti Geetha by the choir group of Charumati Gyan Mala Bhajan was incorporated and brought variety to the customary celebrations.
Both the Embassy and the Official Residence were decorated with Buddhist flags and illuminated with Vesak lanterns in keeping with traditions of the festival. After the function, refreshments were served to the gathering.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Kathmandu
