A large crowd gathered on Sunday morning at the Nicosia Municipal Garden to mark the beginning of the Buddhist New Year, an event organised by the Sri Lanka Buddhist Association in Cyprus. The celebration attracted participants from both Nepal and India, highlighting the multicultural aspect of the festivities.
Organisers reported to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) that the event featured a variety of traditional dishes, music, and an artistic programme showcasing dancers. This year’s celebrations coincided with the rice harvest season in Sri Lanka, an important agricultural event in the country.
As part of the New Year traditions, significant emphasis is placed on the storage and preservation of rice, often using large clay and straw jars to ensure supply for domestic consumption. During the celebration, the organisers created a representation of a traditional Sri Lankan house, where attendees could sample the festive meals that are typically enjoyed during the Buddhist New Year.
Speaking to CNA, event organisers expressed the importance of family gatherings during this time of year. They noted that children, parents, and grandparents come together to celebrate. The event illustrated the inclusiveness of the festivities, as followers of various religions in Sri Lanka participate, reflecting the celebration’s deep-rooted connection to the local culture.
Rice is central to the gastronomic traditions of the New Year, particularly as many followers of Buddhism adhere to a vegetarian diet. At the Nicosia celebration, visitors were offered a plate of rice cooked in milk, accompanied by a hot sauce and fried dough pouches filled with vegetables. In addition, food stalls provided attendees with a chance to purchase traditional delicacies.
The celebration commenced with a Buddhist ritual led by the head of the Buddhist centre, setting a solemn tone before the festivities. This was followed by a lively music and dance programme, which contributed to the joyful atmosphere of the event. Representatives from the Sri Lankan consulate in Cyprus were also in attendance, further demonstrating community support.
Organisers highlighted that the Sri Lankaramaya Buddhist Centre serves as a vital cultural and religious hub for the thousands of Sri Lankan workers residing in Cyprus, providing both a sense of community and a means to celebrate their traditions.
Source : CNA
