Poi-Leng festival concludes

FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT

Itagar, Feb 11:  The overnight inclement weather turned out to be good for the last rites of Late Venerable Nyapriyo Bhikkhu Mahathero performed at the bank of River Noa-Dihing in Poi-Leng ground msai on Wednesday.

Over 100 monks and thousands of Buddhist followers from various part of the North East thronged the Poi-Leng ground to pull the Chariot (rath) for fil time.

Poi-Leng was organized for Late Venerable Nyapriyo Bhikkhu Mahathero in order to pay respect, honour his sacrificial monkhood and for his service towards society as a whole.

The cremation ceremony started with citing of chants by monks and people offered their last respect through prayers. The Rath which is also the funeral pyre was lit as per old Buddhist tradition and custom. The close relatives of Late Venerable Nyapriyo Bhikkhu Mahathero was also present during the cremation ceremony to pay their last respect and offer prayers.  On the second day of Poi –Leng, Dhamma Sabha (religious discourse) in honour of the late venerable one was also organised at Poi-Leng Ground. The Dhamma Sabha was held under the Chairmanship of abbot of msai Parriyati Sasa Buddha Vihara Ven Aggadhamma Mahathero where various monks of different places of India, Nuns of Mahabodhi School Bordumsa and people from all walks of life participated enthusiastically.

Also present during the Dhamma Sabha were former Minister Chou Mein, former Parliamentary Secretary Chow Tewa Mein, former Chairman Chow Zingnu mchoom and all members of the Poi-Leng Celebration Committee who also presented their views on organising the Poi-Leng festival in msai.

Dhamma sabha Ven Aggadhamma Mahathero Chairman spoke on life history of Late Venerable Nyapriyo Bhikkhu Mahathero beside others like Ven. Pragyasil Bhante spoke on Poi-Leng, former DC Chow Silawan Jeinow on importance of meditation, Chow Upa Mansai on Viya and Chow Sunda Singphoo on Da.

The Poi-Leng Celebration Committee at the sideline of the festival also organised a mini mela where various stalls by different shopkeepers were accommodated to eble and provide opportunity to the unemployed youths of the area to earn some livelihood during the three –day celebration of Poi-Leng festival.