Buddhist monks and nuns walk in a procession to consecrate the site of a new temple.
The groundbreaking ceremony for a new Buddhist temple drew hundreds of devotees to a site in Mississauga, Ontario.
Ven. K. Dammawasa Nayaka Thera, Incumbent and President Halton Peel Buddhist Cultural Society.
Students from the Sunday Dhamma school formed a guard of honour waving colourful Buddhist flags as a procession lead by monks and nuns and other dignitaries arrived at the site.
The new temple will be home to the Halton Peel Buddhist Cultural Society, West-End Buddhist Cultural Centre. Formed in 1992, the temple moved from high-rise apartment to a large house on a lush one acre property in Mississauga to serve devotees in 1994.
Ven. Bhante Saranapala thanked all devotees who were involved in fundraising efforts.
PHOTO GALLERY: GROUNDBREAKING FOR NEW BUDDHIST TEMPLE
Ven. Bhante Saranapala speaks during the ceremony.
Still, more funds would be required for the temple mortgage and he encouraged devotees to help in any way possible.
Some storm clouds gathered, but the rain held-off during the groundbreaking ceremony. With white bricks in hand, monks dressed in saffron and yellow robes chanted blessings. At the auspicious time, 3:39 PM a conch bellowed and a traditional drummer played as the priests placed bricks into the foundation.
Following speeches from dignitaries, the sun peered out brightly as monks and nuns walked in procession to consecrate the site. A warm and friendly atmosphere prevailed through the ceremony as guests enjoyed ice cream and traditional milk rice to celebrate the occasion.
Hundreds of devotees formed a line to place bricks at the site as children released balloons into the sky to mark the historic event.
