Join us for the vibrant Poson Celebration in Kandy, – By Dr Harold Gunatillake
Website – www.doctorharold.com
The arrival of Arahat Mahinda resulted in a significant transformation of Sri Lanka’s religious, cultural, social, and political civilisation in Sri Lanka. Today, we celebrate that change by observing atasil and giving food to people in need.
Hello Viewers, Thank you for accessing our channel, where we consistently deliver insights on various topics, particularly health-related issues. Today, we are delving into a topic of great historical significance—a celebration that marks the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka by Mahinda Thero in 236 BC. The heart of the religious festival is the Buddhist monastic complex, perched on the mountain of Mihintale. Here, Arahath Mahinda Thero first preached Buddhism to King Devanampiyatissa of Sri Lanka. Celebrations revolve around Buddhist sites in Anuradhapura, one of the first cities in Sri Lanka to adopt Buddhism, and in every township and village where most people are Buddhist.
During Poson, these locations become a hub of activity, drawing thousands of pilgrims from all corners of Sri Lanka. These devotees, dressed in white, engage in worship and quiet contemplation, a practice known as ‘Ata Sil ‘, to honour the traditions of Buddhism.
Kandy is a holy city where the sacred tooth of the Lord Buddha is revered. Thousands of pilgrims, especially older people dressed in white, observe the eight precepts detailed in the Dharma, gather in the Natha Devala premises in front of the Temple of the Tooth and spend the day meditating and worshipping.
Many Buddhists cherished the tradition of visiting this site and providing food for those observing Ata Sil. It symbolises compassion and support for others’ spiritual journeys.
On Poya days, my nephew Sugeewa, an ardent Buddhist, niece Michelle, and the rest of the family consistently participate in these events by distributing cups of yoghurt to those observing Ata Sil.
I love to join in and help distribute the food while remembering my dear late wife. The city of Kandy is bustling with people and devotees, and the streets are so crowded that the Police need to enforce traffic control, which they do with great diligence. Most shops and houses are adorned with the Buddhist flag, and there are also food stalls (Dansalas) offering free food to earn merit, per Buddhist teachings. Let me bless all the people sharing this video, and may the triple gem guard them until we meet again. Goodbye for now.
