Lankarama Buddhist Institute in La Puente California held their annual Vesak Celebration on Sunday May 22nd under the guidance of Ven. Nagitha Thero. Vesak full moon poya day is the most hallowed of buddhist festivals. It is the celebration of the birth, enlightenment and passing away of Lord Buddha.
The day began with a dhamma retreat where over 40 devotees observed the eight precepts. They practiced meditation, learned the dharma and chanted sutta. The vesak celebration continued to the evening with hundreds of devotees gathering to see the colorful Vesak lanterns of various shapes. The large lantern with hung above illuminated the whole neighborhood. “It feels like I am in Sri Lanka, I am so happy to see the lanterns, I am glad that my grandkids can experience Vesak like I did when I was in Sri Lanka” said one devotee.
The evening included “Bakthi Gee” devotional songs by devotees of the temple together with Chaminda & Preethisha Walpola. Young dancers of the Thathjith Dance Academy performed devotional dances. Venerable Sumitta officially launched “Vandana” a free book of Sutta and Gatha. All donations towards the book was collected toward Flood Relief. Later everyone enjoyed the “Dansala” a free food stall with delicious Sri Lankan cuisine.