The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai, together with the Department of Pali, University of Mumbai, organized a grand celebration for Vesak Full Moon Poya Day on 10 and 11 May 2025.
The Vesak celebration took place at the University’s Santacruz campus including photographic exhibition. Bhakti Geetha by the Consulate and a Sri Lankan cultural dance performace, alms giving and Dhamma deshana.
The event welcomed invitees, including faculty, students, Sri Lankan Airlines and Sri Lankan Community, celebrating the philosophical and cultural diversity and artistic heritage shared between Sri Lanka and India. The photographic exhibition on Buddhism which includes separate section for Sri Lanka ceremonially inaugurate with the ribbon-cutting and lighting of the oil lamp by the Acting Consul General.
On 10 May 2025, the formal celebration commenced in offering the flowers to Lord Buddha, followed by chanting the Ratana Sutta. The assistant professor and coordinator of the Department of Pali Yojana Bhagat, welcomed the attendees. She expressed gratitude to the Acting Consul General for organizing a culturally significant event and highlighted that the joint Vesak celebration will strengthen religious and cultural co-operation between India and Sri Lanka. . She notes that it offers valuable insight into Sri Lankan Buddhist culture and traditions, enriching both students' and faculty's understanding of diverse practices. She emphasized that this event aligns perfectly with the Department’s mission to foster knowledge and cultural exchange.
The cultural segment of the Vesak Day celebration began with a Sri Lankan Cultural Dance performance and the Bhakthi Geetha performed by consulate staff. This devotional performance added a spiritual dimension, reflecting the deep religious significance.
As a gesture of appreciation, the Acting Consul GeneralShirani Ariyarathne presented a mural to the University. The mural depicted the historic moment when Arahat Mahinda Thero arrived in Sri Lanka to deliver the Buddha’s teachings to King Devanampiyatissa. This artwork symbolizes the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka and highlights the cultural and spiritual connection between India and Sri Lanka.
The Acting Consul General highlighted in her keynote speech, the importance of Vesak celebration and Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
On 11 May 2025, the Consulate, together with the University, hosted an alms giving for Most Ven. Ananda Maha Thero, from Maha Mahinda Buddha Vihara in Ulhasnagar, Maharashtra, priests from Worli Buddhist Temple Mumbai and priests from the Department of Pali, University of Mumbai.
Consulate General of Sri Lanka
Mumbai
16 May 2025
