Alms Giving Ceremony for the Aunt's 18th Death Anniversary

damithudaya (78)modAtlas Ambassador - LKin Steem Sri Lanka • 20 days ago

You know, we Sri Lankans, as Buddhists, have a special relationship with our families and a special respect for those who have passed away. Remembering them is an important part of our culture. To honor them, we usually hold alms-giving ceremonies according to our religious traditions.

The size of the ceremony depends on the capacity of the hosts. Either way, an alms-giving ceremony is always a meaningful and important part of our culture. Last week, I had the opportunity to actively participate in it at my cousin’s home.

It's for the 18th death anniversary of my uncle’s wife. And my cousin recently built his two-storey house. So, he organized everything to have a perfect time with the entire family, friends, and his coworkers.

My cousin and his wife did all the planning and organizing months before the ceremony. Finalizing the date, inviting the monks, relatives, and vendors, finalizing the meals, and all the other prior arrangements. And I was there in the last few days to provide necessary support with some of the family members. Elders prepared sweets and food items that can

Entrance decorations

Outdoor seating areas

Well, on the day before the ceremony, we gathered to make the final preparations. An uncle beautifully decorated the entrance with coconut leaves. We brought the necessary equipment, tools, fruits and vegetables, and the other items as well. Three huts were made, and they were arranged with chairs and tables, and lighting, and water were arranged in essential places.

Alms giving area for the monks

We planned to host the ceremony for 20 monks. So, the living room was perfectly arranged with chairs and tables and decorated with white colour. Two elders of the village helped us through the entire process.

As it's a lunch, it typically starts around 11.00 a.m. Preparation of food was given to a catering service, and two separate menus were prepared for monks and general participants.

Preparing food

As there were so many things to do that day, we began early in the morning. One by one came eventually, the house was filled with familiar faces and voices. When the caterers are making the meals, everyone provides them with help and takes care of other essential things.

We have a very big family from the father's side, and after a long time, almost everyone was there, even coming from long distances. So, when everyone is working together, things proceed smoothly. My mom and other elders helped the head chef cook meals.

Fruits

Some of them were preparing tea for the guest, and some took care of decorations and offerings. I cut different types of fruits and arranged them nicely for the monks. We always shared not only the fast memories, but also the present happenings of one another. Soon, the house was filled with people.

More than five hundred people gathered, including close relatives, neighbors, and friends who came to pay their respects.

Cooked meals

Within a few hours, the meals were ready, and at first, everything was arranged to serve the monks. And at about 11.00 a.m., we went to the temple, which is around 50m away from the e. All the invited monks had gathered there, and we intended to bring them in a grand, holistic way. That scenery brought a quiet sense of devotion to everyone.

Arrival of monks

Cleaning their feet

There was a drummer at the front announcing the arrival, and my cousin took the relic with utmost respect. The monks arrived on carpet and under umbrellas as per our tradition. And at the entrance, their feet were washed and cleaned as per the tradition amidst the chantigs from the crowd.

Chantings

They sat, and the initial rituals took place. Offerings were done for the Lord Buddha, and the chief monk proceeded with the chantings and other rituals after that. The close family members were seated nearby.

After the main rituals, food was served to the monks first. The family members made sure everything was done properly. For the monks, there was a variety fo foods.

Main course - Fried rice, white and red rice, Thalapa/ a traditional porridge meal, Noodles, Soup, Boiled vegetables
Curry - Dhal, Chicken, Fish, Prawns, Cashew curry, Jackfruit curry, Brinjal curry, Potato curry, coconut milk gravy, leafy vegetable stir fry, cutlets, papadama, etc
Deserts - Frutis(Banana, pineapple, guava, watermelon, Papaya), curd, sweets, Jelly, Watalappan

Serving meals

We tried our best to do everything perfectly and smoothly. After the monks finished their meal, blessings were given to the family and the new house.

Within one and a half hours, the almsgiving ceremony was over. We offered essential requisites to the monks. After their departure, everyone stayed for a meal. People sat together, shared stories after a long time. Now, as everyone was relaxed, it was happier. And the meals were quite good as well. We enjoyed every bit of it.