Silver Temple Sri Lanka

Rideeviharaya Perahera Festival: A Cultural Extravaganza in Sri Lanka
2024-08-30 | රිදීවිහාරය – Silver Temple, Ridi Viharaya, Ridee Vihara Rd, Ridigama, Sri Lanka, Kurunegala, North Western, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant festivals, is home to many spectacular celebrations throughout the year. Among these, the Rideeviharaya Perahera Festival, held annually on August 30th, stands out as a significant and colorful event in the island nation’s cultural calendar. This festival, hosted at the Rideeviharaya Temple in the town of Rideegama, Sri Lanka, is a mesmerizing display of tradition, spirituality, and community spirit.
The Rideeviharaya Temple, also known as the Rideegama Rajamaha Viharaya, is a revered Buddhist temple located in the Kurunegala District of Sri Lanka. This ancient temple holds historical and religious importance, serving as a spiritual center for local devotees and a site of pilgrimage. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture, ancient murals, and sacred relics, making it a cherished landmark in the region.
The Significance of the Perahera
The Perahera, meaning “procession” in Sinhalese, is a traditional festival celebrated with grandeur and devotion. It typically features a series of parades and rituals that honor the temple’s sacred relics and deities. The Rideeviharaya Perahera is no exception, drawing both locals and tourists who come to witness its splendid festivities.
The festival’s origins are rooted in ancient customs that celebrate the Buddhist faith and seek blessings for prosperity and well-being. The Rideeviharaya Perahera is not just a religious event but also a cultural showcase that highlights the rich heritage of Sri Lanka.
Highlights of the Festival

Grand Procession: The festival is marked by a magnificent procession featuring intricately decorated elephants, traditional drummers, dancers, and performers. The elephants, adorned with ornate regalia, play a central role in the parade, symbolizing strength and majesty. Their grandeur is complemented by the rhythmic beats of drums and the vibrant movements of traditional dance forms.
Traditional Performances: The Perahera includes a variety of traditional performances such as Kandyan dance, fire dancing, and drumming. These performances are not only a feast for the eyes but also a way to honor the cultural heritage of Sri Lanka. Each dance and performance has its own significance and adds to the overall splendor of the festival.
Religious Rituals: Central to the Perahera are the religious rituals conducted to honor the Buddha and seek divine blessings. These rituals are performed with great reverence and include offerings of flowers, incense, and oil lamps. The highlight is the ceremonial carrying of sacred relics in a beautifully decorated casket, which is paraded through the streets to the accompaniment of chants and prayers.
Community Involvement: The Rideeviharaya Perahera is a community-centric event, with local residents actively participating in the preparations and festivities. This involvement fosters a strong sense of unity and communal spirit, as people come together to celebrate their shared heritage and values.

Impact and Attractions
The Rideeviharaya Perahera attracts visitors from various parts of Sri Lanka and beyond, contributing to the local economy and promoting cultural tourism. The festival provides a unique opportunity for outsiders to experience the rich traditions of Sri Lanka firsthand. For locals, it is a time to reconnect with their cultural roots and participate in a celebration that has been passed down through generations.
Moreover, the festival serves as a platform for preserving and showcasing traditional arts and crafts, which are an integral part of Sri Lanka’s cultural identity. The vibrant atmosphere, coupled with the historical and spiritual significance of the event, makes the Rideeviharaya Perahera a must-see for anyone interested in exploring the cultural tapestry of Sri Lanka.

The Rideeviharaya Perahera Festival, held on August 30th each year, is a testament to the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Sri Lanka. With its grand procession, traditional performances, and deeply rooted religious rituals, the festival offers a captivating glimpse into the island nation’s vibrant traditions. For those fortunate enough to witness this spectacular event, the Rideeviharaya Perahera is an unforgettable celebration of Sri Lanka’s enduring cultural legacy.

Poson Festival
2024-06-21 | North Western
The Poson Festival, also known as Poson Poya, is a significant Buddhist festival celebrated in Sri Lanka, commemorating the introduction of Buddhism to the island by Arahat Mihindu, the son of Emperor Ashoka of India, in the 3rd century BCE. Rideeviharaya, being a prominent Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka, likely observes the Poson Festival with great reverence and enthusiasm.
Here’s how Rideeviharaya might celebrate the Poson Festival:

Decoration of the Temple: Similar to Vesak, Rideeviharaya would be adorned with colorful decorations, lights, and illuminations in preparation for the festival. The temple grounds may be decorated with intricate pandals (thoranas) depicting scenes from the life of Arahat Mahinda and other significant events related to Buddhism.
Pilgrimages and Religious Observances: Devotees from various parts of the country may embark on pilgrimages to Rideeviharaya during Poson, seeking blessings and participating in religious observances. Many devotees observe sil (precepts) and engage in acts of merit-making such as offering alms to monks and performing acts of charity.
Dansalas (Free Food Stalls): As with Vesak, Rideeviharaya may set up dansalas offering free food and refreshments to pilgrims and visitors as an expression of generosity and hospitality. These dansalas play a vital role in fostering a sense of community and unity among devotees.
Bhakti Gee (Devotional Songs): Devotional songs praising the virtues of Arahat Mahinda and the spread of Buddhism in Sri Lanka may be sung at Rideeviharaya during the Poson Festival. These songs create a reverent and uplifting atmosphere, enhancing the spiritual experience for devotees.
Sil Dansala (Silent Dansal): Rideeviharaya may also organize a Sil Dansala during Poson, where visitors observe sil and engage in silent meditation before receiving meals. This practice promotes mindfulness and spiritual reflection, allowing devotees to deepen their connection to the teachings of Buddhism.
Dhamma Talks and Sermons: Buddhist monks at Rideeviharaya may deliver Dhamma talks and sermons on the significance of Poson and the teachings of Arahat Mahinda. These talks provide spiritual guidance and inspiration to devotees, encouraging them to live according to Buddhist principles.
Cultural Performances and Exhibitions: Rideeviharaya may organize cultural performances, exhibitions, and educational programs to showcase Sri Lanka’s rich Buddhist heritage and promote understanding of Buddhist teachings among devotees and visitors.

Poson at Rideeviharaya is a time of reflection, reverence, and celebration, marking a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s Buddhist history. Through various religious observances, cultural activities, and acts of generosity, Rideeviharaya upholds the spirit of Poson and reinforces the importance of Buddhism in Sri Lankan society.

Vesak Festival
2024-05-23 08:00 - 2024-05-24 17:00 UTC | North Western
The Vesak Festival, also known as Vesak Poya, is one of the most significant religious and cultural events in Sri Lanka, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of Lord Buddha. Rideeviharaya, like many Buddhist temples across the country, likely celebrates Vesak with great reverence and festivity.
Here’s how Rideeviharaya might observe the Vesak Festival:

Decoration of the Temple: In preparation for Vesak, Rideeviharaya would be adorned with colorful lanterns, lights, and intricate decorations. The temple grounds and surrounding areas might be illuminated with oil lamps and electric lights, symbolizing the light of wisdom that Buddha brought to the world.
Vesak Thorana: A Vesak Thorana, or pandal, is a decorative archway depicting scenes from the life of the Buddha. Rideeviharaya might erect a grand Thorana, often made with colorful paper, cloth, and light bulbs, attracting visitors to admire its beauty and significance.
Dansalas (Free Food Stalls): Dansalas are a hallmark of Vesak celebrations in Sri Lanka. Rideeviharaya may set up dansalas offering free food and refreshments to devotees and passersby as an act of generosity and goodwill.
Bhakti Gee (Devotional Songs): Devotional songs praising the virtues of the Buddha and his teachings, known as Bhakti Gee, might be sung at Rideeviharaya during Vesak. These songs create a serene and reverent atmosphere, enhancing the spiritual experience for devotees.
Sil Dansala (Silent Dansal): In addition to regular dansalas, Rideeviharaya may organize a Sil Dansala, where visitors observe sil (precepts) and partake in silent meditation before receiving meals. This practice promotes mindfulness and spiritual reflection.
Vesak Procession: Rideeviharaya might participate in or organize a Vesak procession, where monks and devotees parade through the streets carrying relics of the Buddha, chanting hymns, and displaying colorful lanterns and flags. The procession symbolizes the spread of the Buddha’s teachings and attracts crowds of spectators.
Lotus Lantern Competitions: Lotus lantern-making competitions are a popular feature of Vesak celebrations. Rideeviharaya might organize or participate in such competitions, where participants craft intricate lotus-shaped lanterns, symbolizing purity and enlightenment.
Offerings and Puja: Devotees visit Rideeviharaya to make offerings of flowers, incense, and candles at the shrine, paying homage to the Buddha and seeking blessings for themselves and their loved ones.

Vesak at Rideeviharaya is a time of spiritual renewal, community bonding, and cultural celebration, embodying the essence of Buddhism’s teachings of compassion, generosity, and enlightenment.

Aluth Sahal Mangallaya
2024-03-08 | North Western
“Aluth Sahal Mangallaya” offering of the first harvest of paddy to the Sacred Tooth Relic will take place in a few days on the Duruthu full moon Poya day. The first harvest of paddy was brought to Rideeviharaya from the “Atuwa” in a procession adorned with elephants, drummers & dancers. As per the ancient rituals, the measuring and allocating of the portions for Rideeviharaya

Special Religious Activities
2024-02-18 | North Western
Rideeviharaya in Rideegama, Sri Lanka, is another prominent Buddhist temple known for its spiritual significance and the special religious activities it hosts. While specific events may vary from year to year and depending on the temple’s traditions, there are several common religious activities that temples like Rideeviharaya typically organize:

Daily Poojas: Like most Buddhist temples, Rideeviharaya likely conducts daily poojas, offering devotees the opportunity to participate in worship rituals, offer flowers, incense, and other offerings to the Buddha and seek blessings.
Full Moon Poojas: Full moon days hold special significance in Buddhism, and temples often conduct elaborate poojas on these days. Full moon days, known as Poya days in Sri Lanka, are occasions for heightened spiritual practices and reflection.
Bodhi Pooja: Similar to what was mentioned earlier, Bodhi Pooja ceremonies may be conducted at Rideeviharaya to honor the Bodhi tree and commemorate significant events in the Buddha’s life.
Dhamma Discourses: Buddhist monks at Rideeviharaya may deliver Dhamma talks, providing teachings on Buddhist philosophy, ethics, and meditation practices. These discourses offer spiritual guidance and insights to the devotees.
Annual Festivals: The temple likely celebrates annual festivals such as Vesak (commemorating the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and passing away), Poson (marking the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka), and other cultural and religious events with special ceremonies and festivities.
Pilgrimages and Retreats: Rideeviharaya may organize pilgrimages and meditation retreats for devotees who seek a deeper immersion in their spiritual practice. These events often involve periods of meditation, chanting, and reflection.
Charity and Social Welfare Activities: In alignment with Buddhist principles of compassion and generosity, the temple may also engage in charity work, providing support to the needy, organizing blood donation campaigns, and other social welfare activities.

These special religious activities at Rideeviharaya serve to nurture the spiritual well-being of devotees, foster a sense of community, and uphold the rich Buddhist heritage of Sri Lanka. Visitors to the temple during these events have the opportunity to deepen their connection to Buddhism and experience the tranquility and serenity of the temple grounds.

New Year Bhodi Pooja
2024-01-01 | North Western
“Bhodi Pooja” is a significant Buddhist ritual in Sri Lanka, often conducted to pay homage to the Bodhi tree, under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.
Buddhists in Sri Lanka engage in various religious activities, including Bodhi Pooja, to usher in blessings for the coming year. The ceremony involves offering prayers, lighting oil lamps, chanting, and making offerings to the Buddha.
Participating in such ceremonies is not only a religious practice but also a cultural tradition deeply rooted in Sri Lankan society. It’s a time for reflection, renewal, and seeking spiritual guidance for the year ahead. The serene ambiance of temples during these rituals creates a sense of peace and harmony, fostering a connection to one’s faith and community.
