The 52nd National “Aluth Sahal Mangalya” ceremony, which is one of ancient rituals to offer the inaugural harvest to the triple gems of Buddhism, was held at the historical Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi premises under the auspices of President Maithripala Sirisena, yesterday (07).

The event had been organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Department of Agrarian Services under the guidance of the Atamasthanadhipathi Ven. Dr. Pallegama Siriniwasa Nayaka Thera.
A large number of farmers from different parts of the country were present at the traditional ceremony. Blessings were invoked, for the country and the nation, at the event, with the wishes of timely showers, bountiful of harvest and prosperous economy for the country.
It is a traditional customary in Sri Lanka to offer the inaugural harvest of the paddy cultivation, which is also known as the “Buddha Boghaya”, to the Buddha and deities.