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


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