Poson pilgrims flock to Mihintale

by Chamikara Weerasinghe and Nimal Wijesinghe, Anuradhapura Correspondent

Buddhist devotees in large numbers have been flocking to Mihintale and Anuradhapura since Friday evening to worship and to participate in various religious observances at Mihintale and Atamasthana in the Anuradhapura sacred city.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa with Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa and Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana are due to inaugurate Poya Day illumination of Mihintale. "Mihindu Perahera" sponsored by Lake House started at 9.00 pm, and it proceeded around Mihintale Maha Seya and the Sacred City of Mihintale on Friday with 2000 traditional artistes with a large number of tuskers and elephants taking part in the procession.

The one week's Poson Pirith chanting at Mahamevuna Uyana will be over on 3rd followed by alms giving to 500 bhikkhus on July 4 ending the Poson religious and festive week.

The illumination has cost Rs. 40 lakhs of which 3 lacks are borne by the CEB, and the balance by Lake House and Abans Ltd.

The Chief Incumbent of Mihintale Rajamaha Vihara, Ven. Namalwewa Pharmakirthi Sri Rathanajothi Sri Rathanasara thera said that in addition to the illumination of the 450 acre Mihintale sacred area, ANCL (Lake House) sponsored the Mihintale Maha perahara which began on June 29.

Ven. Rathanasara thera said that the organisers supported it for the last 45 years. A sila samadana campaign observation of precepts was also conducted at Mihintale with ANCL's sponsorship.

White clothes were distributed among 300 children who participated in the sila campaign.

ANCL Aloka puja