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| Sunday, 22 May 2005 |
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Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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Vesak in the city : Blessed and beautiful by Umangi de Mel and Chamitha Kuruppu The Buddha was born in BC 560 in Lumbini near the city of Kapilavastu. At birth, the torso of the child Siddartha bore 32 miraculous marks. Astrologers predicted that if he didn't become a universal monarch, he'd undoubtedly become the Buddha, a perfectly enlightened soul.
This story of birth, enlightenment and death is recreated every year, when the Buddhist world celebrates Vesak with giant pandals, exquisitely created lanterns and religious plays, staged at various places around the country. The city takes an enchanting look with shops, streets and religious places lighting up with hundreds of colourful bulbs and lanterns of many sizes and shapes. Having no race or class, Vesak is celebrated at the upmarket shop as well as in average boutiques. Actually the event is not only celebrated by Buddhists but by both Catholics and Hindus too. They light up their homes, with colourful lanterns. According to Rev. Fr. Benedict Joseph, many non-Buddhists also get involved in the celebrations. "Buddhists celebrate the birth, enlightenment and passing away of Gauthama Buddha on Vesak poya day. Many Buddhists celebrate, this blessed event in two ways; amisa and prathipaththi. While meditating and praying just like Lord Buddha had taught, Buddhists also share what they have with others by giving alms. Therefore, Buddhits use this opportunity to join with their non-Buddhist friends to share the joy of this thrice blessed day. "The non-Buddhists contribute money, time as well as labour to make Vesak a colourful event. They donate money for Pandals and dansalas. Colourful lanterns in the houses of many non-Buddhists has become a common scenario during this blessed event.
The magnificent pandals depict the life story of the Buddha. The jathaka stories are depicted in a way to attract as many people as possible. The pandal 'experts' say it is no easy task, but they enjoy making the over 50 feet pandal that take about 40,000 bulbs and costs the organisers nearly Rs.15 lakhs. Sarath Kumar who does the huge pandal in Borella says it takes months to create and finish one. "The pictures have to be drawn and the barks of the arecanut trees have to be put in the right place. Unlike last year, prices of all materials have gone up. Nevertheless, we've been doing this for years and the organisers take care of the financial side," he says. According to a top official attached to the Ceylon Electricity Board the electricity consumption increases during Vesak especially within the Colombo city limits. But, the official says that every year the number of applications for erecting pandals reduces. This year there were only a few applications. When pandals become the centre of attraction, roads get choc-a-bloc. Commenting on the hassle of motorists during Vesak, SSP Lucky Pieris, Chief of Traffic Police says he is bound to get enough complaints during the event. "Many complain about the traffic congestion. But very few people take measures to overcome the situation. A large number of vehicles come into Colombo city during these days, to view the pandals and lanterns. We recommend that they use public transport in order to ease traffic congestion. Kirillapone takes on a colourful air and becomes a happening place during May. For people here Vesak starts a few weeks in advance. Fine frills on petit lanterns and strong wings on the bird shaped ones are absolutely breathtaking. Places like Bambalapitiya and Colpetty seems to have got very innovative as they have put up the most unusual lanterns made out of cloth and other material. P. Somaratne is busy, adding the final touches to an aeroplane shaped lantern. Although many buyers prefer the 'atapattam' or 'bilin' lanterns, Somaratne says he likes to try his hands on innovative designs. Yet he complains that every year he faces difficulty finding materials for lanterns. But all this is compensated when customers purchase at least one lantern. Anura Pradeep, yet another lantern seller says that he can sell at least 10-15 lanterns a day. A pile of colourful kite paper lying around him. "There is a demand for colourful lanterns especially the ones with the colours of the Buddhist flag," says Anura agreeing that finding material is a difficult task, although he can make good sales during the season. Commenting on the celebrations, Dr. Thilokasundari Kariyawasam, former State Secretary, Ministry of Education and Higher Education says Vesak is all about the doctrine of the Buddha. "It's an inspiration to all. To the ordinary man it's the birth, attainment of Nibbana and His demise. To the educated man it's the doctrine. It's a day of celebration, a day of giving to acheive paramitha and a day to meditate and observe sil as well. People take the doctrine in different ways and see how it's catered to every aspect of life,". She adds that Vesak is a spiritual experience that may change one's attitude. *** Lighting up the city Amadahara, a special Vesak program organised by the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited (ANCL) will light up the city of Colombo during the Vesak season. A Vesak lantern competition and bhakthi gee recital will be organised by the ANCL. Winners of the lantern competition will receive cash prizes. A special radio transmission will be set up within the Vesak zone (the area extends towards Gamini Cinema Hall, Colombo Harbour, Galle Face, Fort Railway Station, President's House and the Trans Asia Hotel). The transmission will broadcast Buddhist songs, jingles and Buddhist news. The zone will exhibit illuminations, Vesak decorations, dansal and bhakthi gee recitals. Many state and private organisations located around the ANCL will join hands with the ANCL in organising the program. The lantern competition is sponsored by Orange (a company that deals with electrical accessories). |
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| Produced by Lake House |
Irrespective of all the luxury and indulgence that he was surrounded
with, Prince Siddartha abandoned his home at the age of 29 to accomplish his
mission, and at the age of 36 became the Enlightened One, whose demise at
the age of 80 was on the very same day that he was born and later attained
Nibbana. 
"I strongly believe that this is the 'best way' to overcome envy and
cruelty among people. While living a life according to the teachings of
Gauthama Buddha, we should use this as an opportunity to get together with
others in order to celebrate this blessed event," he said. 
