Over one million devotees mark Poson Poya in Anuradhapura

By Dayaratne Embogama and Dilip Jayasekara 

Buddhists attended religious observances at temples all over the country on the Poson Full Moon Poya Day yesterday, which marks the advent of Arahat Mahinda, who established Buddhism in Sri Lanka. 

A heavy influx of pilgrims was experienced yesterday in Anuradhapura Atamasthana temples, including Jayasiri Maha Bodhi, Mihintale and Thanthirimale temples. 

Police said more than one million devotees had arrived in Anuradhapura by last morning. The religious rogramme yesterday at Anuradhapura Atamasthana temples, including Jayasiri Maha Bodhi had been organised under the guidance of Acting Atamasthanadipathi Ven. Eethalawetunawewe Gnanathilake Thera and the Chief Incumbents of the temples. 

The religious programme at the Atamasthana temples included Sil Campaigns, preaching of sermons, alms giving Buddha Poojas, and meditation sessions. More than 25,000 devotees had observed Sil in Mahameuna Uyana Royal Park. 

People’s Bank and Divisional Secretariats of Central Nuwaragam Palatha. Medawachchiya, Nachchaduwa, Thalawa and Nochchiyagama offered the morning meal and the midday meal, while the Bank of Ceylon offered the evening Gilanpasa Pooja to the devotees observing Sil. 

Meanwhile, more than 700 Danselas offered free meals and refreshments to the devotees. Anuradhapura Poson Festival Committee had provided adequate facilities to the pilgrims while the SLTB and the Department of Railways operated special bus services and train services for the convenience of the pilgrims. 

Tens of thousands of pilgrims experienced the Poson Full Moon Poya Day yesterday in Kataragama. 

They attended religious observances and observed Sil at Kirivehera Cheithiya. 

The Poson Poya programme included Sil campaigns, preaching of sermons, and Buddha Pooja.