Several hundreds of people in Jaffna and other parts of the island are waiting to visit the Jaffna Hindu College grounds to view Sri Lanka`s first ever 22 feet high Ganesha statue. Organized by the Art of Living Foundation Sri Lanka, the statue will be open for darshan (viewing) from Sunday December 11th which is the beginning of the Pillaiyar Kathai festival. This traditional festival is an opportunity for the faithful to offer gratitude to Lord Ganesha. Devotional singing, sacred chants, fasting and fervent prayers mark the 21 day celebration.
To give a uniquely creative expression to the festival and invoke blessings for world peace the 22 feet high colorful statue of Lord Ganesha was created by a 22 year old Jaffna civil engineer Selvaratnam Divaharan and 3 fine arts students. A first - of - its kind event in Sri Lanka, these youth of Jaffna had a great opportunity to display their skills and talents. The statue was created in exactly 30 days with commitment and as a charitable service for the people. This event also marks the launch of Art of Living Foundations` Art-for-Juniors Project to inspire more young people to pursue their arts, music and creative talents.
Inspired by His Holiness Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji`s global creative peace-building initiatives, Vidyut Udiaver a teacher with the Art of Living in Sri Lanka conceived the idea for the island-nation. Says Vidyut “Spirituality absolutely encourages creativity and development, both of which are an impelling need in the north and east of Sri Lanka.”
The youth artisans were ably directed by Swami Sharanuji of the Art of Living (India) whose over 15 years` experience in producing abstract art and sculpture has delighted art lovers worldwide. Specially flown into the island for his design expertise, Swami Sharanuji was able to teach Selvaratnam Divaharan and his youth team many aspects of creativity and design. Says Swami Sharanuji “It is not just about the height. The 22 feet height of the Ganesha statue is also an inspiration for people to go inward and deeper in meditation. In ancient days the art form or the creative object was designed as the starting point to reach the formless, to go beyond forms. Even in Europe the best of art was housed in the places of worship”.
Guided meditations, sacred chants and devotional music will be delivered during the 21 day festival wherein several hundreds from across the island – nation are expected to view the divine exposition and meditate too.
Those who wish to encourage and express support to our Art - for - Juniors Project in Sri Lanka may write to artoflivingsl@gmail.com (or) slartofliving@gmail.com. The Art of Living Foundation in Sri Lanka is a government approved charity delivering programs for stress - elimination, education and human development.