Vesak festival celebration with cultural value...

in Cross Culturelast month
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Hello my loving Hivers,

What's up guys? I believe you are doing very well. Last May 23 was a very important day for Sri Lankan Buddhist people. The reason for this is that the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha, the religious leader of Buddhists, happened on Vesak Poya day. So this Vesak festival is colorfully performed by Buddhists for two days. Even before Vesak day, many rural people make Vesak lanterns by cutting bamboo and making templates in different shapes and pasting different colored leaves. As bamboo is hard to find in the city, Vesak lanterns are sold in the market and are hung in houses. Meanwhile, some urban Buddhists also creatively make Vesak lanterns at home.

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On May 23, which was Vesak day, he went to Yatagala Parani temple near the house at night to worship Buddha. Before leaving for the temple, it had rained, so the road was covered with water. A colorful environment can be seen as the Yatagala Temple Poya is decorated in a very attractive way every day. Various colored light bulbs were hung on both sides of the road as well as inside and inside the temple grounds, and once they were lit, colorful patterns of light were created. These streams of light also add a bright reflection on the water of the lake near the Yatagala temple. As a traditional part of Vesak Poya day, colorful bulbs are also lit around the houses, and nowadays the demand in the market has also increased.

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Another unique feature seen on Vesak days is the dansals organized by young people and organizations and trade associations. Various foods are prepared for these temples, and anyone passing by can get food for free. In the morning, green porridge, saw porridge etc. were served and there were places where rice and curry were served during the day. Drinks, ice cream and vegetable soup are served in the evening and fried rice is prepared and served to the people at night. According to Buddhism, these Dhansalas are held according to the concept that something must be given before getting something. Dhansalas on these two days can be seen in many places, so people did not cook food at home. Therefore, due to the increase in the queue, heavy traffic jams were also seen between the temples.

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During the Vesak festival, Vesak lantern competitions are also held for creative abilities. Kids as well as adults can make these creative Vesak lanterns. This Vesak lantern zone was established by the Galle branch of the Sri Lanka Navy in the coastal zone near Galle city. At first glance, their creativity is almost indescribable. These were made to rotate using electrical circuits. Blinking bulbs emit streams of different colors. The template is pasted on these using Vesak leaves. Buddhist signs are pasted towards the middle.

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Many beautiful and outstanding Vesak lanterns were presented for the Vesak lantern competition held by the Galle Municipal Council. They add a very attractive glow to the night time. It is noticeable that a large lantern and several small lanterns are hung around it. It was announced that valuable cash prizes will be awarded to the winners. The attractiveness of Vesak lanterns is due to the use of beautiful decorations.

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After that, we reached the Vesak lantern area, which displays replicas of the Jataka stories, which contained the objects of the Buddha's stories. There we could see some very creative Vesak lanterns. The examples given to the society by such creative works are very valuable. In addition to bamboo, pieces of coconut branches are also used to make these large Vesak lanterns.

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Bulb vines were hung very beautifully in the city of Galle. Different colors created a strange charm all over the city. By organizing such a cultural event, the urban beautification also increases.

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Another cultural element seen during the Vesak festival is the Vesak pantheon, which depicts various Jataka story objects. To get an understanding of the Vesak Pantheon, you have to get close to it. The Vesak Pantheon sets a valuable example for the society. The attractiveness is high as the various bulbs flicker on and off. See you soon

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