Procession for sacred Bodhi tree in Markham Ontario. (Pictures by Lanka Reporter)
Bodhi tree inside the temple shortly before the procession.
A ceremony to mark in the installation of a branch from the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi in Sri Lanka was held in at the Mahamevnāwa Buddhist Monastery in Markham Ontario, located outside Toronto.
Hundreds of devotees lined the route, filled it with flower petals and fragrances as the Bodhi tree was escorted from the temple to the outside stage known as a bomaluwa constructed for the installation ceremony.
Among the priests and devotees who escorted the sacred tree with special care was a man who waited more than half a decade for the special occasion.
For over five years, Lakshman Maskorala painstakingly took care of the tiny branch from Sri Lanka which eventually flourished into a potted a tree. His labour was not only one of love but a tremendous feat of devotion to his faith as the odds of bringing-up a sacred tropical tree in Canada were stacked against him.
Yet Maskorala was ready for the challenge as he planted trees in the dessert climate of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during his time as an agricultural engineer. Special lighting systems and an air system were installed inside the temple to allow the Bodhi tree to flourish inside during the harsh Canadian winter.
Sunday as warmer weather graced the Toronto area and to mark Vesak, a ceremony was held to bring the sacred tree outside at Mahamevnāwa Buddhist Monastery.
Lakshman Maskorala during the ceremony.
Floral cover for the Bodhi tree is installed by devotees.
Devotees during the ceremony.
Floral tributes for the sacred Bodhi tree.
Devotees earlier lined the route for Bodhi tree.
