Bodhi Puja by VEN.UDUWE DHAMMALOKA THERO

Photographs by Tissa Madawela

VEN.UDUWE DHAMMALOKA THERO’S VESAK ASIRVADAKA BODHIPUJAVA AND SERMON AT KINGSBURY HIGH SCHOOL FOR THE SSIBC

The Sri Saddhatissa International Buddhist Centre arranged the special Vesak Asirvada Bodhi Pujava and sermon at the Kingsbury High School on the evening of Sunday 24th May 2014. This was arranged at the Tylers Hall in order to accommodate the hundreds of devotees. This followed the enthusiasm shown on the Vesak Day, 0n the 14th and Sil arranged on the 18th Sunday.

The hall was decorated with Vesak lanterns and Buddhist banners and flags, and illuminations and flowers. Devotees were given the opportunity to offer trays of flowers and robes at the shrine room arranged on the stage for trhis occasion, and this was very well appreciated.

The approach road from Stag Lane entrance was also decorated as the colourful procession escorting the Venerable Bhikkusand and the karanduw started there. White clad Children of the Sri Saddhatissa Dhamma School led the procession with flags, reminiscent of the Pereheras back home, followed by drummers and dancers of the of the Dhamma School Cultural troupe.

Aggamahapandita Ven. Galayaye Piyadassi, Chief Sangha Nayaka of the UK and Head of SSIBC,

Venerable Uduwe Dhammaloka Thero, Ven. Matale Wijewansha Thero, Ven. Wilbagedara Gnanissara Thero, Ven. Nepasle Sumana Thero and Ven. Godamunne Piyananda Theo followed by nearly a hundred devotees were ceremonially escorted to the venue.

Venerable Uduwe Dhammaloka Thero’s Sermon and Bodhi Pujava, as usual, drew high praise.

A DANSALA was organised in the kitchen of the school for the public present.

Sound and lighting was by Godfrey De Silva and Dexter Stanley De Silva of SLV Productions.

Aggamahapandita Ven. Galayaye Piyadassi Sangha Nayaka Thero was complemented by Ven. Uduwe Dhammaloka Thero, as well as the devotees, for the excellent arrangements made.