Buddhists across the globe celebrate Poson poya today

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Buddhists across the globe celebrates Poson Poya today (June 16). In 236 BC on a day like today, during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa, and Indian Emperor Dharmashoka, Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka by Mihindu Maha Arahath Thero and followers who travelled to Sri Lanka from Dambadiva (India). Religious observances are held across the island to mark this significance. This year's Poson theme is "Every living being is afraid of punishment". Most celebrations are centred around Anuradhapura, Mihintale and Polonnaruwa as the King Devanampiyatissa met Arahath Mihindu Thero at Mihintale. Various religious activities are carried from the dawn at the eight sacred religious locations(Atamasthana). Chairperson of the Anuradhapura Poson Committee, N. Wanninayake said that they have taken special measures to facilitate the Buddhist devotees who come to visit Anuradhapura for Poson. Police stated that they have arranged special parking spaces for the devotees who arrive from Puttalam and Kurunegala roads. Police advise the motorists who arrive from Kurunegala and Puttalam to head for Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi via Isurumuniya. Motorists can visit Mirisawetiya, Ruwanweliseya, Thuparama and follow the Anula road to arrive at Lankarama, Sandakandapahana, Abhayagiriya, Samadhi Buddha statue and enter Jethawanarama. Police added that the motorists can exit the sacred grounds via Jaffna junction. Police went on to add that the special traffic plan will be in effect from June 17th and the special traffic plan was designed to aid the Mihindu perahera. It was also reported that a number of dansal stalls are erected across the country, and 988 dansal stalls are in the Anuradhapura district.