“Avrudu Charithra” - Heathrow Athula Dassana Buddhist Temple

New Year Rituals at Heathrow Athula Dassana Buddhist Temple “Avrudu Charithra” on 21st April 2013. Sri Lankan New Year Rituals programme organised by the Athula Dassana International Buddhist Temple was held at the temple premises on 21st April 2013. Venerable Wanduramba Kassapa, Head of the Centre welcomed the gathering followed by this programme. Sinhala Aluth Avurudda was celebrated as a national festival under the patronage of the kings. This was done in keeping with the rituals. The astrologers worked out Nekath (auspicious times) to perform the rituals in order to bring about prosperity and happiness to the people and country. Even though we are far away from our mother land by practicing our ancient rituals we can be blessed and even our younger generations would be able to understand the value of these customs. Before the Hisatel Gaama (applying oil) we performed all the New Year rituals in the Temple giving priority to the Children. The New Year rituals were performed as under mentioned on following events. Milk was boiled in a new clay pot symbolising prosperity when the milk spills over from all sides of the pot. Another important ritual which was performed was Ahara Anubhavaya (taking food). In Sri Lanka all the family members stop doing their work including eating food the day before the New Year. Once the milk was boiled they made milk rice for the new year according to the auspicious time. All children were getting great experience about the importance of “ Avurudu Charithra” As a mark of starting work in the New Year, children take part in planting plants in the temple garden. People also took part in a transaction period (Ganadenu Kereema). Another custom which took part in the temple was the offering of betel to parents and teachers; in return children received blessings which are moulded according to Buddhist thought. In Sri Lanka people visit the temple during the time of “Sanskranthi” a tradition period when they believe there are no auspicious times (Nekath) to engage themselves in different tasks. On completion of performing the New Year rituals the custom of applying oil (Hisatel Gaama) is carried out. On applying the oil people are blessed to have good health and wellbeing throughout the New Year. All the rituals which we performed in the temple were new experiences for the children, who were very pleased to join in. And also all dhamma school children of the temple were participated for that event and they were also able to gain an understanding of the morals and values of these New Year customs. The children felt as if they were in Sri Lanka. Since the opening of the new Heathrow Athula Dassana Budhist temple this was the second time we performed the New Year rituals together with the devotee’s. As a head of the temple, Venerable Wanduraba Kassapa Thero who wish to Happy, Healthy and Prosperous and peaceful New Year to all.