- Title: SRI LANKA: Wesak - The Birth, Enlightenment and Death anniversary of the Buddha
- Date: 17th May 1973
- Summary: A Wesak lantern being hung up across the road. 50 ft Buddha statues at a temple, with a King worshipping the Buddha Large state of a reclining Buddha Interior decorations at a temple Paintings depicting scenes from the Buddha's I life. The Dagoba outside the temple Drummers and flute player performing Devotees People meditating. Initials Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved
- Embargoed: 1st June 1973 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Colombo and Suburbs
- Country: Sri Lanka
- Reuters ID: LVABQOJZPMTG0ZUJ6UPNFITHJ5YM
- Story Text: The greatest day for Buddhists all over the world is Wesak Day. This falls every year on the Full Moon day in the month of May. On this day Buddhists celebrate the Birth, Enlightenment and Death anniversary of Lord Buddha. In every buddhist home, they fly the buddhist flag and light up coloured lanterns of various patterns. The main requirement is to attend pujas at temples, observe SIL (following the noble eightfold path, laid down by the Buddha). Dressed in pure white, men, women and children spend the day in the temples, listening to sermons, offering flowers and taking part in meditation. Homes and streets are decorated. Buddhist refrain from enjoyment on this day. Meals are taken without flesh or fish.
Film open with a shot of a line of Buddhist flags, offering flowers to Buddha statues in temple, lighting lamps etc. A gaily decorated street is shown next. Devotees are seen in large numbers at a famous temple in Colombo- the Kuppiyawata temple. A large white Dagoba in which Buddha relics are enshrined, is seen in the background. CUSs of devotees meditating and praying and a small child offering flowers at a Dagoba.
- Copyright Holder: REUTERS
- Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2015. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
- Usage Terms/Restrictions: None