A symbol of prosperity

Aluth Sahal Mangalya:

by Indeewara THILAKARATHNE

Aluth Sahal Mangalya, an important function associated with the agriculture of Sri Lanka was held on April , and 2. President Mahinda Rajapaksa was to participate the event. Aluth Sahal Mangalya, the almost ritualistic function has been an important function from the days of hydraulic civilisation.

It was the tradition that Aluth Sahala Mangalya was held under the patronage of the king. It is also known as Agra Sashya Sahala Mangalya (maiden rice from the harvest). By the very use of the word Sashya which means abundance in Sinhalese, the Aluth Sahala Mangalya is a celebration of bounty harvest gathered after a year of hard work and toiling. In another way, it is a celebration of farmers' labour. Throughout the history agriculture is associated with royalty of the country.

While the king celebrates the bounty harvest in Aluth Sahal Mangalya or Agra Sashya Sahala Mangalya, functions of the same nature are being held at every paddy field and on the embankment of the tanks. In ancient agricultural societies, this function was held during both Yala and Maha seasons. The function is held either at the Buddhist temple of the village on the embankment of the tank with the maiden rice gathered fresh from the field after being taken in procession to the venue.

The objectives of the functions are to invoke blessings on the deities who protected the paddy cultivation and praying for rain in the next season. Offering of milk rice made of the maiden harvest is made at the function. National Aluth Sahala Mangalya has been held since 1968 under the patronage of Minister of Agriculture. At the function, a fist of rice gathered from diverse farmers' houses, offers to the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya or the sacred Boo tree symbolizing the tripe gems. The premises in and around the Sri Maha Bodhiya is decorated and lit up by thousands of lamps. The function will make of all night Pirith chanting followed by an alms giving.