Korber.net

Vesak is a holy day observed traditionally by Buddhists all over the world. It commemorates  the birth, enlightenment (nirvāna), and passing away (Parinirvāna) of Gautama Buddha.

Vesak is celebrated as a religious and a cultural festival in Sri Lanka on the full moon of the lunar month of Vesak (Usually in May), for a duration about one week.  Pandol’s (toranas ) illustrating life Stories of the Buddha, are erected in the large cities. The illuminations create a spectacle that  attract  families to travel into the cities. Colourful lanterns called Vesak koodu are hung along streets and in front of homes. The lanterns signify the light of the Buddha, Dharma and the Sangha. Food stalls set up by Buddhist devotees called dansälas provide free food and drinks to passersby ( unfortunately this also caused a spate of food poisonings !) Groups of people from various community organisations, businesses and government departments can be seen dressed in white sing bhakti gee or Buddhist devotional songs.

I have uploaded some of my May photos of Colombo which are mainly of  the moon, Vesak decorations and beautiful structures built by the creatures in my garden.

Click here to go to useful site that explains the teachings of Buddhism

During the last month (April) I have been living in my Dad’s study a delightful self contained flat above the garage.  It over looks our garden and the extensive garden of  a high commission residence.  The garden next door has a few huge  trees  reminiscent of  famous Enid Blyton stories The lands of the Magic Faraway tree.

The moon photos are taken from the steps show the days passing bye. Starting with the Easter Full moon, to the half moon by Sinhala new year celebrations.

While helping  Mum clean out cupboards I discovered my Noddy Tea set. Happy Days Tea pot with  Noddy & Big Ears kicking their heels up having a gay time! Some friends pictured in the garden might drop in for tea !

Our Opa loved to take a chance
He once walked an hour to a dance
Rescued Augsburg neighbours bombed in bed
Reminisced the war with shrapnel still in his head
Climbed the Alps fuelled on a pot of potato it’s said

Our Opa took the challenge moving to the Gong
Doing Doublers in the Steel Works made a day long
Resorted to sleep snatched on a bench
Revived soaking up the sun on Kembla beach
Or watching the boys sail on the lake out of reach

Our Opa was an Action Man
Once he drove a Kombie Van
Was a Bush fire fighter and Off-track walker
Boot scooting Line dancer, but not a big talker
Volume up for Sinatra crooning or Abba grooving

Our Opa was a tidy soul
His garage was always spick & span
He was not one to hoard a paint can
A new car, kayak, TV or spa his valuables
He delighted in devouring technical manuals

Our Opa was a man of simple tastes
He often said “I don’t want any trouble”
As he laid his toast out on a paper towel
Usually satisfied by a humble meat pie
Or the latest Woollies bargain buy

Our Opa was a Handy man
Sometimes he drove me round the bend
Always on the lookout for something to mend
His recreation: TV Game shows, online – news & share market tips
Train to city to gaze at stock exchange board & Manly ferry trip

Opa we will miss your friendly face, around our place

10 April 2012 By Melina Amerasinghe (Daughter in law)

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