Panadura Vesak Devotional Song Programme celebrates 25 years

This programme, which has attracted the attention of many, also includes singing songs in several locations

Various Vesak programmes are held in almost every part of Sri Lanka to celebrate the birth of the Buddha. Among them, there are some very unique programmes. Here is one such unique programme that has continued for 25 years. The devotional song programme called Bodu Sadeha Gee, which was commenced by the Panadura Media Cultural Foundation in 2001, has been recognised as a unique programme in Sri Lanka. This programme is presented under the creative direction of historian and journalist Nishantha Chaminda Peiris. This year, the 25th annual programme will be held on May 13 and 14, in conjunction with the Vesak Festival, involving Panadura and surrounding areas. This programme is very special as it even continued during the 2019 Easter attacks and the 2020 Covid pandemic. This programme, which has attracted the attention of many, also includes singing songs from one area to another.

This devotional song tour was commenced by Nishantha Peiris in 2001 by travelling from village to village in a beautifully decorated truck. All the Buddhist devotional songs presented here are new creations and their melodies are also new creations. It is also special that songs popularised by the media or songs by famous singers are not featured here. It is also important to express these songs in a creative format based on the communication of the Dharma. 

Over the past 25 years, more than four hundred devotional songs have been presented in this way. Each of these programmes is unique in that it is sung and played live. The efforts made by the organisers, led by Nishantha Peiris, to maintain a 100 percent live singing experience for 25 years are commendable. “I hope to present a programme that is in line with Buddhist philosophy. It will be an opportunity to spread the Dharma. We hope to present the Dharma in a melodious manner through poetry and song. Each of these programmes begins in the evening and continues until night. These songs soothe the hearts of those who listen to them and create a sense of peace,” said journalist Nishantha Peiris, the founder of this devotional song pilgrimage. 

He further added that it is not easy to carry out such a task. These girls have to be trained for many days. It is very difficult to send them on a tour from area to area in a vehicle and ensure there is absolute safety. It has been a challenge to continue it until now without skipping a single year. But I started this by following our ancient traditional practices. This is a Dharma Yatra. He added that it allows everyone, from a small child to an adult, to enjoy the Dhamma through song. This was started in 2001 by a group of girls studying in the upper grades of schools. Even today, it is rare for girls to continue it themselves.  Devotional songs are sung in old age homes, with children in orphanages, with patients in hospitals, with pregnant mothers in hospitals, and in temples. These Dhamma songs, sung for the past two and a half decades, are both blessed and admonishing. They convey Dhamma messages. These songs feature over fifty new lyrics written by Nishantha Peiris. The melodies have been composed by veteran musicians Sarath Kulanga, Ranjith Yapa  Alwis and Nishantha Peiris. 

Accordingly, this time too, sessions will be held from 4:00 pm to around 11:00 pm. It will be held specifically covering the areas of Panadura, Wadduwa, Bandaragama and Moratuwa. You can book your place by contacting Peiris on 071 40 90788, as applicable to your area.  Such Buddhist programmes that spread the flavor of Dhamma songs can also be described as our intangible cultural heritage.

(From Nishantha Peiris-Department of Govt. Information)