• Latest

Vesak Celebrations by the Diyawanna Oya

December 5, 2022
Ponniyin Selvan 1: Leveraging the Lure of History and the Power of Storytelling

Ponniyin Selvan 1: Leveraging the Lure of History and the Power of Storytelling

January 11, 2023
Rumination and Emotional Process

Rumination and Emotional Process

January 13, 2023
Segar Represents Sri Lanka in Asia Art Bienniale in Dhaka

Segar Represents Sri Lanka in Asia Art Bienniale in Dhaka

January 11, 2023
Good Conversations Start with Mlesna

Good Conversations Start with Mlesna

January 11, 2023
Exclusive Screening of ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ on its Global Premiere at KCC Multiplex

Exclusive Screening of ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ on its Global Premiere at KCC Multiplex

January 11, 2023
Humble Journey of Podi Hamuduruwo

Humble Journey of Podi Hamuduruwo

December 1, 2022
KCC: Kandy’s Marvel

KCC: Kandy’s Marvel

December 1, 2022
Sweet Dreams and Serene Night

Sweet Dreams and Serene Night

December 1, 2022
Lashings of Nelli Juice: Jaffna’s Inimitable Nectar of Life

Lashings of Nelli Juice: Jaffna’s Inimitable Nectar of Life

December 1, 2022
Sustainable Island Tourism from Tenerife to Just to the Maldives

Sustainable Island Tourism from Tenerife to Just to the Maldives

November 8, 2022
Kumaradas Maapaana Mudaliyar: The 10th Custodian of Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil

Kumaradas Maapaana Mudaliyar: The 10th Custodian of Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil

November 8, 2022
50 Hudson Yards Opens in New York

50 Hudson Yards Opens in New York

November 8, 2022
Retail
Saturday, January 28, 2023
Subscription
Advertise
  • Home
  • Issues
    • 2022
      • January 2022
      • February 2022
      • March 2022
      • April 2022
      • May 2022
      • June 2022
      • July 2022
      • August 2022
      • September 2022
      • October 2022
      • November 2022
      • December 2022
      • January 2023
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Archive
  • Find Us on Magzter
No Result
View All Result
No Result
View All Result

Vesak Celebrations by the Diyawanna Oya

in General, June 2014
0 0
0
The Bakthi Gee platform on the Diyawanna Lake
The Bakthi Gee platform on the Diyawanna Lake

Denzil Kobbekaduwa Mawatha, Battaramulla had livened up with busy preparations for the festival that was about to unfold along the street by the beautiful Diyawanna Lake. The Vesak full moon cast its rays upon the still waters of the lake creating a silvery glow on its surface. Clad in white, people gathered to commemorate the most vibrant and principal Buddhist celebration of the year—the Vesak Festival. 

Words Hansani Bandara and Dilshi Thathsarani   Photographs Indika De Silva

The vibrant Diyawanna Vesak Zone (Diyawanna Vesak Kalapaya) was organised under the guidance of Ven Elle Gunawansa Thero and spread across an expanse covering the Denzil Kobbekaduwa Mawatha and Pannipitiya Road from Battaramulla to Pelawatta at the Palam Thuna Junction.

The ceremonial illumination of the festival was conducted under the patronage of President Mahinda Rajapaksa in the presence of Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development, Dinesh Gunawardene, Minister of Water Supply and Drainage, Senior Minister A H M Fowzie, General Jagath Jayasuriya, Chief of Defence Staff, Buddhika Pathirana, MP and other dignitaries. 

Diyawanna Vesak Zone consisted of over 70 beautifully crafted lanterns and other exhibits that displayedthe flair of master craftsmanship. The lotus flower lanterns on the lake lit up in unison with string lights draping the trees alongside the riverbanks. In an instance, the entire area illuminated and drew a dazzling panorama before our eyes. Then from a far corner of the lake, a Bakthi Gee platform made on an navy boat made its way to perform a melodious chorale of Bakthi Gee—a performance by the Sri Lanka Coast Guard.

Thereafter, the attention of the gathering was drawn towards the portrayal of the story of Patachara, which depicted how her infant child was snatched by a giant eagle.The vivid presentation brought to life against the backdrop of the lake using the latest technology and sound effects, was a result of the tireless efforts made by the Sri Lanka Army Electrical and Mechanical Engineers’ Base Workshop, Katubedda. 

…intricately designed lanterns. Made using everything from paper, disposables to sand, coconut leaves and various other materials, each lantern conveyed a flair for design that was unique

We took a long stroll around the Vesak Zone, taking time to admire the intricately designed lanterns. Made using everything from paper, disposables to sand, coconut leaves and various other materials, each lantern conveyed a flair for design that was unique. Some of them depicted instances from the Life of the Buddha, while others had motifs of traditional carvings. 

Towards the side of the Parliament, a path of illuminated lotus flower lanterns preluded a statue of Prince Siddhartha on his horse Kanthaka, accompanied by Channa, the head charioteer at the palace. Beside it was a track that ran across the river to the other side. The setting implied that there was much more to this statue. And we could see people gathering at the bridge. Thus we too hurried towards there to have a better look. From the bridge, little lightened  red spots on the pitch-black water created a picturesque view. Suddenly, we saw the figure of Prince Siddhartha soaring across the river on his horse! It was a depiction of how Prince Siddhartha crossed the Neranjana River on his departure from the palace and all royal comforts to seek the path towards enlightenment. 

Walking along the brightened pathways, we completed our saunter around the Vesak Zone. Treats treats from Dansal on the way kept us in high spirits. Enjoyed by all irrespective of religous differences, the Vesak Zone brought bliss for all. 

Tags: Vibrant
TweetShareShare
Please login to join discussion

Search

No Result
View All Result

Recent News

Ponniyin Selvan 1: Leveraging the Lure of History and the Power of Storytelling

Ponniyin Selvan 1: Leveraging the Lure of History and the Power of Storytelling

Rumination and Emotional Process

Rumination and Emotional Process

Segar Represents Sri Lanka in Asia Art Bienniale in Dhaka

Segar Represents Sri Lanka in Asia Art Bienniale in Dhaka

Explore Sri Lanka

Explore Sri Lanka Online, the web edition of Sri Lanka’s leading monthly corporate publication. Founded in 1996, the magazine currently has a distribution of over 6,000 copies island-wide.

Recent News

  • Ponniyin Selvan 1: Leveraging the Lure of History and the Power of Storytelling
  • Rumination and Emotional Process
  • Segar Represents Sri Lanka in Asia Art Bienniale in Dhaka

Find Us

Explore Sri Lanka
20-2/1 Lauries Place Facing
R. A. De Mel Mawatha
Colombo 04
Sri Lanka.
(+94 11) 259 7991
(+94) 715 134 134
info@btoptions.com
btoptions.com

  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

© 2022 Explore Sri Lanka | Designed by Lithic Labs

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Issues
    • 2022
      • January 2022
      • February 2022
      • March 2022
      • April 2022
      • May 2022
      • June 2022
      • July 2022
      • August 2022
      • September 2022
      • October 2022
      • November 2022
      • December 2022
      • January 2023
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Archive
  • Find Us on Magzter

© 2022 Explore Sri Lanka | Designed by Lithic Labs

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In