Children’s Vesak Celebration at Jethavana Buddhist Vihara Birmingham 2016

Under the guidance of Venerable Keppetiyagoda Gunawansa Nayaka Thera, the Chief Incumbent of Jethavana Buddhist Vihara the Children's Vesak Day Programme was held on Sunday 15^th May 2016. Ven. Beragama Piyarathana Thero administered eight precepts and conducted Buddha puja for the children. Thereafter the programme was continued by Ven. Nepal Sumana Thero from the Kingsbury Buddhist Vihara, London by conducted meditation session and delivering Dhamma sermon followed by Dhamma discussion. Ven. Mapalagama Soratha Thero conducted Lunch Buddhapuja. A special Dhamma sermon was delivered by Ven. Suriyawewa Wimala Thero in the afternoon.

The highlight of the day was the colourful Children's Vesak lantern competition and Wesak procession. Prizes were awarded for 1^st 2^ndand 3^rd places. All participants for the Vesak Lantern competition received prizes. This year's Vesak Lantern competition prizes were sponsored by Mr. Ambridge Samasakoon and family. Morning dana for the preceptors were sponsored and offered by Mr. Kalana and his Damma friends. Lunch dana for the preceptors were sponsored and offered by by Mr. Ananda Hikkaduwa and Family. The programme was highly successful with all Dhamma school children participating to 'observe Sil' and their parents attending with very deep devotion to commemorate the birth, enlightenment and the passing away of the Buddha.