Pilgrims gather in the thousands for HIRU Shakya Sinha Mangalyaya at the Sacred Ridi Viharaya

The HIRU Shakya Sinha Mangalyaya which has been organized by HIRU FM and HIRU TV to mark Vesak is held at this moment with the participation of thousands of pilgrims at the Sacred Ridi Viharaya premises in Kurunegala.

Ancient Ridi Viharaya, donated to the Maha Sangha by King Dutu Gemunu is believed to have sheltered thousands of Arahat monks in the past.

HIRU Shakyasinha Mangalyaya began with material and spiritual offerings at this sacred temple premises.

Meanwhile the alms giving for the day in the name of The Buddha was held amid Buddhist religious rituals.

The Buddha pooja was administered with the patronage of the chief incumbent of Baavuruve Yaamlena Ancient Temple, Rajakeeya Panditha Hanguranketha Gnanarathana Thera.

At the same time a dhamma discussion was also conducted with the participation of thousands of pilgrims at the Ridi Viharaya temple this morning.

Senior Professor of the History Unit of Peradeniya University Venerable Hanguranketha Diyaraananda Thera, Senior Lecturer of the Sinhala Unit of Peradeniya University Nimal Wijesuriya, and Senior Lecturer of the Fine Art Unit of Peradeniya University Dr. Sudarshana Bandara participated in the dhamma discussions.

Illumination the Chetiya of Ridi Viharaya will be switched on by the chairman of Asia Broadcasting Corporation Mr. Rayynor Silva this evening.

Coinciding with the illumination of Ridi Viharaya Chetiya, one hundred thousand oil lamps will also be lit at the temple premises.

Meanwhile, Asia Broadcasting Corporation has made all arrangements to provided necessary facilities for thousands of pilgrims who are expected at Ridi Viharaya to pay homage to the Kapilawastu relics from all parts of the island tomorrow.

Residents of Ridigama have been waiting for the event over a month.

Meanwhile, the grand digital Vesak pandol presented by HIRU FM and HIRU TV which has been presented by Asia Broadcasting Corporation for the 5th consecutive year is in sight now.

This is the only digital and online pandol which could be viewed from any corner of the globe by any number of visitors.

Thaayo Dhamma Jathakaya is depicted on HIRU online digital pandol this year.

To view the pandol log onto www.goldfm.lk or www.hirutv.lk.

Observing Eight Precepts in the Sacred Ridi Viharaya premises in the morning today

Dharma Deshana preached at Ridi Viharaya in the morning today

Alms giving ceremony held at Kurunegala Ridi Viharaya and Waskaduwe Sri Subhoothi Viharaya