India participates in Buddha Rashmi Vesak celebrations in Colombo

Saturday, 24 May 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

This year, India had the honour to participate in the Buddha Rashmi Vesak celebrations at the kind invitation of the Government of Sri Lanka. India had, inter alia, displayed a Vesak lantern modelled on the Mahabodhi Temple in Gaya, Bihar, India.

The Mahabodhi Temple is constructed of brick and is one of the oldest brick structures to have survived in eastern India. It considerably influenced the development of later architectural trends. According to UNESCO, “The temple is one of the earliest and most imposing structures built entirely in brick from the Gupta period.” The Mahabodhi Temple’s central tower is 55 metres (180 ft) high and is surrounded by four smaller towers, constructed in the same style. The lantern being exhibited is based on the architecture of the Mahabodhi Temple. The event was jointly organised by the Presidential Secretariat and the Gangaramaya Temple from 15 to 19 May 2014 in Colombo. India-Sri Lanka relations have a rich legacy of civilisational, cultural, religious and linguistic interaction. The advent of Buddhism in Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BCE is linked with the arrival of Prince Mahendra in Sri Lanka known as Arahat Mahinda and later of Princess Sanghamitra, who were the children of the great Indian Emperor Ashoka. The links forged since then have become stronger over the years. Cultural traits brought from India have blossomed and have been adapted to suit the Sri Lankan way of life. India’s participation in the ‘Buddha Rashmi’ Vesak celebrations is yet another manifestation of the rich cultural tapestry that the two countries share, based on historic affinities, which have been nourished by contemporary associations.