NEARLY after an absence of about thirty years, Mannar town and its environs received tranquility and bliss of Poson (June 7-9) commemoration when hundreds of Mannar civilians joined their hands together with Army soldiers and the Police to commemorate the arrival of Ven Mahinda Thero in Sri Lanka with the message of Buddhism.
People of all walks of life including Tamil and Muslim civilians and businessmen, accompanied by their spouses, sons and daughters and family members thronged Mannar private bus stand in the heart of the town, as dusk fell in the past three days, to witness Poson lanterns, illuminations and other decorations, largely put up by Army soldiers serving the peninsula. Arrangements received the overwhelming support of the Police and the public. Many youngsters, impressed with the exhibition of specially-made decorative lanterns stood glued to the spectacle, as some of those creations were power operated while adding excitement to youthful spirits.
In close proximity to display of lanterns and other creations were the free-eating houses “Dansel” which gave away rice and curry and other refreshments to the visitors. Private Bus Owners Association with the support of businessmen in the town has patronized those activities after normalcy returned to their residential areas.
At the site of the exhibition, Army soldiers were requested by curious sight-seers to explain the Buddhist legendary stories, depicted through those creative decorations, as non Buddhist kids took special interest in some of those exhibits taking close looks. This was the first ever Poson commemorative event being held in Mannar after an absence of nearly thirty years on this scale in the aftermath of elimination of LTTE terrorism from the entire country. Events were to continue until Tuesday (9) midnight. Several senior officers attended inaugural occasions on all three days and freely interacted with the public enjoying the dawn of Poson.
Poson Full Moon Poya Day, the second most important religious day for Sri Lankan Buddhists, venerates Arahat Mahinda (Mihidu) who brought the message of Dhamma to Sri Lanka from India a few thousand years ago.
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