Poi-Leng festival commences at Namsai

 Indrajit Tingwa

NAMSAI, Jan 5: The first ever combined Poi-Leng (catafalque) festival commenced here at the Mahabodhi Lord Buddha College (MLBC) premises amidst large gathering of Buddhist monks and devotees from various corners of North East India.
The Poi-Leng this time was organised for two venerable monks, Ven. Gyanatisa Mahathera and Ven. U Nanda Mahathera who attained Parinibbana on November 8 and 29 last year respectively, at the MLBC Buddha Vihar. Their mortal remains were embalmed using wax and tobacco for preservation before being kept in the coffin. Later, it was kept in a makeshift stilt hut called the Kyong-Niban till commencement of the festival.
On Thursday afternoon, the mortal remains of both the monks were brought out from the Kyong-Niban and installed on the chariot (catafalque). Next, a mass prayer was held before the chariot. Later the monks and devotees pulled the chariot alternately from either side. This is the first time in the history of Poi-Leng festival celebration that a single chariot was used for the last rites of two monks. The festival will continue till January 7 when in the evening hours the mortal remains will be put to flames.
Ven. U Nanda Mahathera expired at the age of 69 years and originally belonged to Balipathar in Karbi Anglong district of Assam. He was first ordained at the age of 20 years and the next 49 years (Ran Retreats) of his life was spent in monkhood. He spent 44 years in Bodh Gaya before returning to Kaliyani in Assam. He was on a visit to MLBC when he breathed his last.
Ven. Gyanatisa Mahathera originally belonged to Pahukutia village, Titabar, Assam. He entered monastic life in spiritual pursuit. He was ordained in 1988 at Emphum village now in Namsai district and remained a monk for 28 Varshavarsh (Rain Retreats). He was 87 years old.
The public leaders as well as the organising committee headed by Ven. Panyaloka Mahathera and Chowja Maio as the President and General Secretary have made sure for the success of the festival. Many devotees are arriving from far and wide to pay their last venerations to the departed monks.
The first day of the fest concluded with illumination and cultural night. The festival ground spread on a vast plot of land is dotted with food stalls and outlets selling different kind of wares and toys. The bustling in the market area has been witnessed for the whole day.

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