POSON FESTIVAL ORGANIZED BY THE 54 INFANTRY DIVISION IN MANNAR

Poson Poya is one of the most important even to Buddhist which commemorates the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka by the Buddhist missionary monk Arahat Mahinda Thero in the 3rd century B.C.

In parallel with 2565 Buddhist Era (BE), Poson Poya day celebration of the year 2021, 54 Infantry Division in Mannar, structured number of meritorious events to add color to the sacred ceremonial formalities under the guidance of the General Officer Commanding, Major General Indrajith Bandara

Amid those, the most noteworthy occurrence is the repositioned of two sacred relics of Lord Buddha in the newly constructed House of Relics. These two sacred relics of Lord Buddha were enshrined to the “Manu Vehera”, the temple in the 54 Infantry Division on Vesak Poya day on 26 May 2021. This newly constructed House of Relics was declared opened by General Officer Commanding, amidst the blessing of Maha Sangha on the Poson Poya Day augment an extra value in this sacred ceremony. The troops perform in the Division and well-wishers made their contributions to make this construction a realization.

Further, almost 1000 Poson lanterns have been demonstrated in and around the camp premises and the rotating Poson lantern, Poson Pandal (Thorana) which show the “Nalapana Jathakaya”, the replica of Mihintala Aradhana Gala, where the Arahath Mahinda Thero and Kind Devanampiyatissa which inaugurated the presence of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and the reproduction of large stupa known as the Maha Seya in Mihintala were displayed near Gimanhala facility complex in 54 Infantry Division Headquarter added additional color to the sacred ceremony.

These ritual formalities for the sacred ceremony along with the demonstrations were organized under strict compliance with the COVID 19 guidelines with minimum participation.