Hiru Shakya Singha ceremony at historic Mahiyanganaya temple tomorrow

To mark the Vesak Full Moon Poya Day, the Hiru Shakya Singha Ceremony, organised by the Hiru Media Network, including Hiru TV and Hiru FM, will be held at the historic Mahiyangana Raja Maha Vihara — the sacred site associated with the Buddha’s first visit to Sri Lanka and the performance of the Yamaka Maha Perahera miracle.

In conjunction with the ceremony, devotees will also have the rare opportunity to venerate the authentic Sri Sarvajna Relics from Kapilavastu, beginning the day after tomorrow (31) morning at the Mahiyanganaya temple grounds.

The Hiru Shakya Singha Ceremony, centered on acts of charity, morality, and meditation, will begin at dawn tomorrow with both Amisa (material offerings) and Prathipaththi (practice-based offerings) to commemorate Vesak.

The event is an initiative of Rayynor Silva, Chairman of the Hiru Media Network, known for his continued contributions toward the preservation and advancement of the Buddha Sasana.

A series of religious activities, including poetic Dhamma sermons, Dhamma discussions, and merit-making programmes, will take place throughout the day at the temple premises.

An Adhisthana Pooja (special vow offering) for the longevity of Buddhism is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m., featuring offerings of incense, flowers, ceremonial music, and worship at the historic stupa of Mahiyanganaya.

A special six-colour illumination ceremony at the stupa — believed to enshrine relics of the Buddha’s hair — will also be held under the patronage of Rayynor Silva.

Additionally, the annual Hiru Uttama Dhathu Vandana, featuring the Sri Sarvajna Relics from Kapilavastu and the Sacred Alms Bowl Relic of the Buddha, will commence at the Mahiyanganaya temple on May 31 and continue until the morning of June 2, allowing hundreds of thousands of devotees from across the island to pay homage.

The Hiru Media Network has invited devotees to join both the Hiru Shakya Singha Ceremony and the Hiru Uttama Dhathu Vandana, while live coverage of the event will be broadcast on Hiru TV from early tomorrow morning.