First of all, I would like to thank Ms. Manisha Gunasekera, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to France and Permanent Delegate of Sri Lanka to UNESCO, for inviting me to attend this wonderful experience.
On Thursday, May 23, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the International Day of Vesak, the Permanent Delegation of Sri Lanka to UNESCO organized a cultural evening on the theme “Harmony in Motion: Celebrating Vesak through Dance, Music, and Cultural Expression.”
Vesak is the day celebrating the birth, the enlightenment, and the death of Buddha. This event, the most sacred in the Buddhist calendar, gathers millions of devotees each year for prayers and commemorations. For 25 years, the Day of Vesak has also been celebrated at the UN headquarters as well as at other United Nations offices around the world, including in Paris.
I had the opportunity to discover the art of the present delegations: Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and other Asian delegations showcasing dances, music, and paintings that blend traditions, cultural richness, and diversity.
In addition to being impressed by the beauty of the performances, I had the chance to interact with the Ambassador of Mongolia to France, Ms. Ulambayar Nyamkhuu and with many artists.
Wishing you a joyful Vesak.
