Heavy influx of pilgrims

By B. G. Chaturanga and Dayaratne Embogama and Thisara Samal   

A heavy influx of pilgrims was experienced in Anuradhapura Atamasthana temples including Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanweliseya, Mihintale and Thanthirimale sacred cities on Poson full moon Poya day yesterday as the advent of Buddhism in Sri Lanka during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa (367 - 307 BC) was commemorated for the 2333rd year.   

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake attended the state Poson Festival in Mihintale that commenced last morning.  

Tens of thousands of devotees from far and wide observed Sil and attended religious observances at places of Buddhist worship in Anuradhapura, Mihintale and Thantirimale.   

The Sil campaign in Anuradhapura Mahameuna Uyana was held under the guidance of Chief Incumbent of the Atamasthana Temples in Anuradhapura Ven.Pallegama Hemarathana Thera.   

The Poson full moon Poya programme in Mihintale had been organized under the guidance of Chief Incumbent of Mihintale Rajamaha Vihara Ven. Walawahengunawawe Dhammarathana Thera. Thousands of devotees attended religious observances.   

The crowds increased by noon and a heavy congestion of traffic was experienced in Anuradhapura new town and the sacred city.   

Police and the security forces had taken steps to provide protection to the pilgrims arriving in Anuradhapura, Mihintale and Thanthirimale sacred cities. A huge rush prevailed in Aradhanagala rock in Mihintale overlooking the surrounding area as far as the eye could see, with large crowds of devotees climbing up to the top.   

Meanwhile, thousands of devotees attended religious observances and observed Sil at places of Buddhist worship all over the country including Kataragama Kirivehera, Mahiyangana Rajamaha Vihara, Mutiyangana Rajamaha Vihara,and Seruvila Rajamaha Vihara,