Calgary Vesak Celebrations on grand scale

Japanese Buddhist dignitary Dr. L. Kawamura, Director of Eastern Religions, Calgary University, was a special guest at the 2553rd Vesak Celebrations organized by the Sri Lankan community in Calgary, Canada on May 9. He delivered a thought-provoking speech on Buddhism and its impact on the modern world, at the event.

The Sri Lankan Buddhist society enlivened the festival with a typical Sri Lankan Vesak night atmosphere and an attractive ‘thorana’ that was commissioned for the first time since the introduction of Buddhism to continental America. The celebrations saw the enthusiastic participation of a large gathering.

Children of the Ehipassiko Dhamma School conducted a traditional religious procession or "Mal Perahara" at the commencement of the celebrations.

Deputy Incumbent of the Ehipassiko Buddhist Centre, Venerable Werapitiye Somananda, conducted the traditional religious ceremony that included Buddha Pooja (offerings to the Buddha) and invoked blessings on the devotees following a Dhamma sermon.

Bhakthi Gee (devotional songs) recitals by the Dhamma School children, youths, adults and senior citizens were the highlights of the ceremony. The seniors included devotees as old as 90 years of age

People of several other religious faiths too enjoyed meals at the traditional Sri Lankan “Maha Bath Dansala” at the end of the ceremony.

- Asian Tribune -