 
I come out only during Vesak
by Tissa Hewavitarana
I do not know my origin, nor my
ancestors. It was from them that I could gather any information about my
pedigree. We are gradually becoming a vanishing breed. It is because all
humanity here appears to be more or less torpid, idling in the shade of
palms. My appearance on the world stage comes mostly during the festive
season.
Buddhists in Sri Lanka consider the month of May as the Buddhist
month of Vesak. It is in this month that the Buddha was born, attained
enlightenment and passed away. The full moon Poya day of Vesak therefore
becomes important to Buddhists. Vesak is celebrated with a public
holiday, where a lot of religious activities take place all over the
island.
Vesak is celebrated with decorations, illuminations, pandals and
fireworks especially in Colombo.
 The Chinese were the first to turn out colourful lanterns with paper
and ingenious decorations for use during the festive season and on other
occasions. Similarly, we Sri Lankans turn out creative decorations and
lanterns to celebrate this important day and other religious events.
My infant days were spent among children in the village. They are a
wonderful lot. Some are boisterous, others are innocent and playful.
They live a happy and contented life. I grew without love and care where
every other child himself enjoyed.
I had no parents to boast of as I was adopted. Every child in the
village gets ready for this significant full moon day. They bring long
sticks of green bamboo locally called bata lee, cut them into thin
strips and are assembled to the shape of an octagon, some in the shape
of a loutus flower, and others in a cylindrical form. Then white tissue
or coloured papers are cut and pasted on my body. At times, long
whiskers are joined to make it more attractive. A many number of these
creations are turned out. Some fat, some slim and some ballooned shape.
At times, I am made like a family tree, with small lanterns hung
around.
  On the night of the celebration, I was displayed prominently to the
public along with my fellow mates. It looked like a galaxy of stars
parading for a beauty contest. I was given a prominent place with full
protection. I looked elegant and smart. Many eyes were focused on me. My
appearance was similar to a Greek goddess. Dressed in pure white slim
and tall with a shapely figure.
It was a night sizzling, soaring and sparkling in the nation’s
capital, thousands of people packed into the vast stretched Galle Face
Green to view the most spectacular show on earth. It was a display of
lanterns with handsome prizes offered to the selected beauty.
It was a like a huge auction where the hammer comes down to the
highest bidder. But here it was not a case of bidding but judging. My
fate lay in the hands of the panel of judges. They consisted of
expertise in beauty and culture, luminaries in the legal profession and
creative artistes. Finally close to midnight, the best hour of my life
dawned. Many TV cameras and flash lights focused on me. Wow! That night
I was crowned the winner!
I am proud that lanterns have a special charm and attraction with
beautiful motifs and geometrical designs.We are used on festive and
other occasions all over the globe. |
