AMN/ WEB DESK
Poya festivities continue in Sri Lanka. The festival, celebrated in the full moon of June, marks the arrival of Buddhism in the country over 2,000 years ago. The High Commission of India on the occasion has organised an exhibition on Indian Buddhist heritage in Homagama, about 20 kilometres from Colombo.
The event was inaugurated by Sri Lanka’s Minister for Mass Media Dr. Bandula Gunawardane. The exhibition also showcases a special lantern depicting the arrival of Arahant Mahinda to Sri Lanka with Buddhist teachings from India. Devotees thronged the Mihintale Hill yesterday in large numbers to pay homage to the place where Arahat Mahinda, the son of Emperor Ashoka, converted King Devanampiyatissa to Buddhism.
As part of island-wide celebrations, Streets, homes, and public places are embellished with intricately designed paper lanterns and pandals depicting episodes from the Buddha’s life. The celebrations over the last few years could not be held on a grand scale due to the economic crisis and lockdown. The festival will continue till the 6th of June at Mihintale and Anuradhapura.