Poson celebrations in Letchworth Garden City organised by the Letchworth Buddhist Community centre was held on Sunday the 07th
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.
Venerable Nahalle Rahula (Head of the Vihara) welcome the participants of the ceremony and briefly 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.
Venerable Kassapa ,(English monk) administered the five precepts and delivered an inspiring talk regarding the
the unique heritage of the "Hela Nation".
Students of the Dhamma class presented a group speech explaining the significance of the Poson Poya day. The guest speaker of the
ceremony, Venerable Bhikkhuni Kusuma delivered a profound Dhamma talk on how to maintain a disciplined life with right mindfulness,
which was very well received by the congregation. Booklets were distributed regarding the noble social and religious service of
Bhikkhuni Kusuma. The beautiful booklet was designed and the photo coverage was done by Mr. Kapila Thilakarathne.
After the tea break Atavisi Buddha Puja was conducted by Venerable Nahalle Rahula 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
Mr & Mrs. Nethaji Welikala and Mr & Mrs. Kapila Karunarathne with the help of relatives and members of the Vihara
Mr. Jayantha Gonaduwa and Mr. Madhuranga Premakumara performed a beautiful series of devotional songs.
Letchworth Buddhist youth circle had organised the Dansela and all the participants appreciated the Sri Lankan flavors of the food and
the hard work of the organisers. The hall for the celebration was sponsored by Dr. Yasasiri Rajapakse.
More than two hundred people attended the Poson celebration and the great assistance given by the members of the Vihara for the success
of the celebrations is much appreciated.
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