-
Published: 26 June 2010
Poson celebrations in Letchworth Garden City organised by the Letchworth Buddhist Community centre was held on Saturday the 26th June to commemorate the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka by Arahath Maha Mahinda Thera in the 3rd Century BC.The celebrations took place at the Mrs. Howard Memorial hall in the Letchworth Garden City. The hall was decorated with a beautiful pavilion for the Atavisi Buddha Puja.
Dr. Jayantha Rathnayeke (secretary of the BCCL) welcome the participants of the ceremony. Venerable Nahalle Rahula (Head of the Vihara) explained the great contribution and the noble service of the Anubudu Mihindu Maha Thera, who pioneered the Buddhist way of life and the associated social revolution in the Island.
The guest speaker of the ceremony, Venerable Tawalama Bandula from the London Buddhist Vihara delivered a profound Dhamma talk on ‘the Parable of the Elephant’s Footprint’, which was very well received by the congregation. Students of the Dhamma class presented a group speech explaining the significance of the Poson Poya day. A video documentary regarding the Buddhist heritage was shown.After the tea break Atavisi Buddha Puja was conducted by Venerable Nahalle Rahula accompanied by the visiting monk Venerable Gurulubedde Mangala and the resident monk Venerable Nallure Sangharathana to pay homage to the 28 of the Buddhas. Every one rejoiced the Puja with devotion and respect. Atavisi Buddha Puja was neatly arranged by Mrs. Wimala Ranasinghe family and friends. Members of the Vihara had sponsored the items of Puja making donations towards the upkeep of the Temple.The Letchworth Buddhist youth circle had organised the Dansela and all the participants appreciated the Sri Lankan flavours of the food and the hard work of the organisers.More than two hundred people attended the Poson celebrations and the great assistance given by the members of the Vihara for the success of the celebrations is much appreciated.