For the first time out side Sri Lanka the traditional ritual, offering of the morning meal to 49 honoured mothers was held at the Sri Saddatissa International Buddhist Centre in Kingsbury. Generally known as the Kirimawwarunge Danaya, alms giving to mothers, is an elaborate ritual held to ward off evil spirits and bad luck and bring prosperity and good luck to every one taking part.

This ritual is linked to Goddess Paththini who is believed to be one of the guardian deities of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

The ceremony was held under the guidance of the head of the Vihara Ven. Galayaye Piyadassi Nayaka Thera.

As it is the normal practice in Sri Lanka 49 mothers were invited as the recipients of the breakfast alms giving. They were offered seven small portions each of 49 different items consisting of milk rice, variety of Sri Lankan sweets, fruit, a gift and a piece of white cloth.

Programme began at 5 in the morning with every one taking part in observing five precepts. Traditional chanting and drumming in such a ceremony was also conducted.

Kiriamma Dana was conducted by Leelarathna Karirawasam. All the venerable monks as well as the devotees of the Kingsbury temple helped him in various ways to make this unique pinkama a success.