Poson week commences today

By Thisara Samal   

The Poson Week will commence today with the main ceremonies in Anuradhapura. Mihintale and Thanthirimale sacred cities.   

Anuradhapura District Secretary and Chairman of the Poson  Festival Committee Janaka Jayasundara requested the pilgrims to attend  the festival with dedication during their pilgrimage.  

He told the media yesterday morning that the festival will  commence after offering the water collected from the main reservoirs in  Anuradhapura to the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi followed by the week-long  Pirith chanting. Poson week programme at Anuradhapura Atamasthana temples  has been organised under the guidance of Atamastanadhipathi Ven.  Pallegama Hemarathana Thera.   

The District Secretary said improvements to the railway  line from Maho to Anuradhapura were yet to be completed and that the  SLTB would operate a special bus service from Maho to Anuradhapura for  the convenience of the pilgrims during the Poson week.   

He requested the pilgrims to pay particular attention to  keeping the sacred city and its surroundings clean and refraining from  any possible environmental damage. The District Secretary warned the  pilgrims to follow the instructions given by the police when bathing in  tanks and reservoirs. He requested to use only the bathing places as  advised by the police.   

The Poson Week is scheduled to end on June 24.