Poson festival on grand scale

ANURADHAPURA: Arrangements are under way in Anuradhapura and Mihintale to conduct the Poson Festival on a grand scale.

The Mihindu Maha Perahera to be conducted to coincide with the Full-moon Day for the 5th consecutive year will parade the streets from Isuru-Uyana to Indikatuseya, Mihintale on June 10 night.

The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited (Lake House) which is sponsoring the Lake House Poson Aloka Pooja at Mihintale for the 44th successive year will be sponsoring the Mihindu Maha Perahera this year. The procession will be telecast live over Rupavahini from 8.30 p.m.

A special discussion on arrangements was held at the Mihintale Divisional Secretariat on Monday with the participation of Mihintale Raja Maha Viharadhipathi Ven. Namalwewe Rathanasara Nayaka Thera, Viharadhikari Ven. Walahahengunawewa Dhammaratana Thera, Lake House Director Rasanga Harischandra, Assistant General Manager D.M.P.A. Dassanayake, Mihintale former Divisional Secretary Thilaka Rodrigo, Assistant Divisional Secretary M.M. Madahapola, Mihintale Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman W. Hemaratne and delegates from the Art Gallery.

Ven. Namalwewe Rathanasara Nayaka Thera requested artistes organising the procession to highlight the advent of Arhant Mahinda in their features. Certificates and prizes will be awarded to the first 10 who excel in the pageant.