The second day of the Uva Sahithya Festival commenced in Badulla with pomp on Saturday. Uva Education Minister Vadivel Suresh presided. Indian Deputy High Commissioner Ratha Venkatraman and Eastern Province Education Minister S.Thandauthapany were Chief Guests. There were cultural events. Media people were honoured and students who excelled in contests were awarded with certificates.  

Thellipallai Tamil Vizha was held at the Lion’s Club Auditorium under the auspices of the Thellipalali Thamil Sangam recently. President of Thellipallai Thamil Sangam S.Sivanandarasa presided, while Secretary Ganesathurai Bhakeerathy delivered the welcome address.

The highlight of the second day of the Chinese New Year program at Prashanthy Nilayam was the ‘Dances of Joy’ by students of Nanyuang Zhi Hui School of Medang in Indonesia.

The Chinese New Year was observed at Prashnathy Nilayam in Puttaparthi with devotion recently. Among the devotees present were over 250 devotees who had arrived from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan, camping in Prasanthi Nilayam.

Commencing 3-day New Year celebrations, delegates from the participating countries presented a solemn, colorful evening, rich with Chinese-Buddhist tradition. The programme commenced with a brief spell of Buddhist Mantra chanting that was followed by Chinese Gu Zheng - ancient Chinese musical instrument - offering by Indonesian children.

Chinese New Year coordinator from Malaysia, Brother Sri Billy Fong then addressed the assembly. Speaking on the significance of the occasion Billy Fong identified, Indian and Chinese are the only two ancient civilizations that could impact the global scene positively.

 A colorful traditional Chinese dance - Thousand Arms Kuan Yin - followed next. Rich with colour and aesthetic patterns, with symbolic formations beautiful children from Indonesia won the hearts in the audience for their graceful offering. A musical offering, medley of Chinese and English Bhajans followed. Bhajans by the Chinese delegates continued and the session ended with Mangala Arathi to Bhagawan.