Celebrating Sri Lanka’s Rich Cultural Heritage Through Annual Events

Each year, our organization comes together with the support of neighbors, well-wishers, and generous donors to organize a series of vibrant cultural events that reflect the diverse heritage of Sri Lanka. These celebrations bring together people from all walks of life, creating opportunities for unity, inclusivity, and shared experiences that transcend individual differences.

Sri Lanka is a multicultural society, with a rich blend of traditions, customs, and artistic expressions. These annual events, while rooted in the country’s diverse cultural heritage, emphasize the joy of celebration, the power of community, and the importance of preserving these time-honored traditions.

Maharagama Maha Perahara Festival

A highlight of our annual events is the Maharagama Maha Perahara, an iconic cultural procession held within the temple. In 2024, we celebrated the 48th edition of this grand event, which showcases traditional dancers, drummers, and elephants, as well as other cultural practices that have been passed down through generations. This event was a vibrant expression of Sri Lanka’s artistic and cultural heritage, and it was open to all community members, fostering a sense of unity and collective pride.

Click here to watch the video of the Maharagama Maha Perahara 2024!

Promoting Leadership and Self-Discipline Through Ordination

Our organization is committed to fostering values of self-discipline, kindness, and respect in the younger generation through an ordination program for youth. This initiative develops leadership skills, promotes community guidance, conflict resolution, and social service, while preserving cultural traditions. Young monks lead by example, inspiring others and addressing societal challenges. The program empowers youth, providing purpose and direction, and ultimately contributes to a compassionate, just, and harmonious society.

Ordination of Kahatagasdigiliye Somananda Himi

Somananda Himi’s ordination marked the beginning of his lifelong dedication to the path of spirituality and service. Having embraced monastic life at a kid age, he devoted himself to the teachings of the Buddha, focusing on deepening his understanding of wisdom, compassion, and self-discipline. His ordination not only marked a personal spiritual milestone but also became a foundation for his work in guiding and mentoring the youth. Through his ordination, Somananda Himi gains the knowledge and insight necessary to lead others toward a life of service, fostering peace and justice within society.

Ordination of Mahakumbukwewa Dewananda Himi

Dewananda Himi’s ordination allows him to explain the importance of living with purpose, kindness, and discipline. As a child monk, he can share how dedicating his life to helping others brings him joy and fulfillment. Through his journey, he learns to live simply, focusing on what truly matters, like peace and compassion. His spiritual path helps him grow in patience and wisdom, and he can explain how these qualities allow him to offer support and guidance to those around him.

Ordination of Appuwewa Panyananda Himi

Child ordination plays a crucial role in shaping young minds, providing them with the opportunity to learn simplicity, discipline, and spiritual wisdom from an early age. Panyananda Himi’s ordination, for instance, allowed him to develop these qualities under the guidance of his teacher, Ven. Chandananda Thero, who provided him with valuable education and spiritual insight. Through this process, a child monk not only grows in character but also gains the tools needed to become a future leader. Such leaders, grounded in discipline and compassion, can bring positive change to society by promoting peace, ethical living, and social harmony.

Preserving Our Heritage for Future Generations

This initiative focuses on protecting and conserving historically significant sites and cultural treasures. By supporting the preservation of ancient artifacts, murals, and architectural wonders, we ensure that future generations can explore and appreciate their rich cultural heritage. Our goal is to safeguard these invaluable resources through careful conservation efforts, fostering a deeper understanding and respect for history, art, and tradition for years to come.

Preserving the "Budu Madura"

The Maharagama Vipashyarama, home to the ancient "Budu Madura," is an archaeological site of great historical significance. Among the murals, you'll find frescoes depicting events from the Dhammasoda and Sasu Jatakas, as well as paintings of a dragon maiden and frescoes illustrating the Hora of the Totisha Shastra. These artworks are considered among the earliest of their kind. This project aims to protect and preserve these invaluable cultural treasures for future generations.

The Renovation of the Pinthaliya

The Pinthaliya is a historical water storage structure that reflects Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage. Traditionally, Pinthaliyas were large clay pots placed along travel routes to provide drinking water to travelers, symbolizing community care and hospitality. The Pinthaliya at Vipashyarama, located near the Vipashyarama Temple, has become a significant cultural landmark. Due to natural wear and environmental factors, it requires restoration to preserve its historical value. Our organization has undertaken a renovation project to restore and protect this heritage site, focusing on maintaining its original structure and educating the public about its historical importance. The renovation project began in August 2023 and aims to ensure the Pinthaliya remains a cherished symbol of Sri Lanka’s cultural legacy. By preserving this Pinthaliya, we aim to safeguard a vital piece of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage for future generations.