Friday, May 31, 2013

Wesak home decorations, Avissawella, Sri Lanka.

A lantern representing a 'Nelum' (Water lily) flower.

A collection of 'Atapattama' (eight sided) lanterns.

A ;Nelum' flower.

Trailing illuminated bulbs.

Decorations on a plantain stem using young coconut leaves ('Gokkola')

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Video-games on a 'Tablet', Avissawella, Sri Lanka.


Playing video-games on a Huwei 'tablet' can be fascinating. There is group participation with more weightage by the younger ones.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Wesak, Avissawella, Sri Lanka.




Mobile Wesak lanterns at the grounds of the Janadhipathy Vidyalaya, Avissawella. Wesak in the Sri Lankan Theravada tradition of Buddhism celebrates the Birth, Day of Enlightenment and Parinibbaana (Extinction of earthly life) of Lord Buddha more than 2000 years ago. It is celebrated as occurring on the same day of the calendar. Wesak lanterns are prepared weeks in advance and are then hung and illuminated on Wesak full moon day in May.
The whole family helps in making these lanterns out of split cane trunk and tissue paper. 
Watch a video of the making of an eight sided lantern ('Atapattama') by clicking on the web-link below:-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TGY9k3HAsg


Monday, May 27, 2013

Wedding customs of the Sinhalese, Sri Lanka.


Tying of the knot binding the little fingers.

Handing over the bride by pouring water over the tied fingers.

Flowers in the hands of the girls singing 'Jayamangala Gathas' - Stanza's of blessing composed in Pali.

Preparing to break a coconut at the auspicious hour when the couple step off the 'poruwa'

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Earls Court, Kundasale, Kandy, Sri Lanka.

Tennis court.

Outdoor swimming pool.

Artificial water-fall.

A view of the Mahaweli Ganga from Earls Court.