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Sri Lanka Army

Defender of the Nation

09th November 2015 18:40:03 Hours

Jaffna Sri Naga Vihara Katina Pooja Held on Grand Scale

The annual Katina Pooja of the Jaffna Sri Naga Vihara International Buddhist Centre was held on a grand scale during 7-8 November with the guidance of chief Sanghanayaka, Northern Province and chief incumbent, Ven. Meegahajandure Gnanarathana Thero and Viharadhikari Ven. Meegahajandure Siriwimala thero.

Troops of the Security Force Headquarters-Jaffna (SFHQ-J) together with Navy, Air Force, Police, government institutes and donors made arrangements for the religious events related to Katina Pooja as per the instructions and patronage of the Governor Northern Province, Mr. H. M. G. S. Palihakkara.

The Katina Perahera (procession) comprising a range of religious and cultural events specific to the North as well as the South started at Muttavely ground on Saturday (07) and ended in the Sri Naga Vihara International Buddhist Centre premises. An all-night Pirith Chanting was held after the procession.

The Katina Cheevara was offered to the Maha Sangha by Major General Nandana Udawatta, Commander, SFHQ-J together with senior officers on the following day morning. Alms-giving and offering of Atapirikara to Bhikkus marked the culmination of the Pinkama.  

Clergy of all four religions, District Secretary - Jaffna, Mr. N. Vethanayagam, Consul General of India in Jaffna Mr. A. Natarajan and senior government and private sector officials were also among the crowd that witnessed the spectacular procession on Saturday (7) evening.