Serendib Magazine - April 2018

In this issue

The entire country lights up with bright and beautiful Vesak lanterns as Sri Lanka commemorates the thrice blessed day.
The entire nation anticipates the auspicious hour of the New Year when communities unite as one to light the lamp of hope.
Come April, the Nuwara Eliya season begins. Travel to the misty mountains and experience the beauty of the cool climes.
The heat is on in Sri Lanka, and the island itself provides a natural bounty to help hydrate and cool the body.
Two mountains in the north-central plains are almost identical in height yet have their own mysterious legacy.
Come April, the Nuwara Eliya season begins. Travel to the misty mountains and experience the beauty of the cool climes.
Sri Lanka is home to a kaleidoscope of rare and beautiful tropical butterflies, making the island an ideal location for spotting these magnificent creatures.
A vibrant city steeped in history, the capital of the UK is a cosmopolitan hub and a unique travel destination.
Australia's trendiest city is the country's center for art, culture, and cuisine.
The Sinhala and Tamil New Year in Sri Lanka is a time to enjoy delicious sweetmeats prepared for the celebration.
Prasadam is food that was first offered to god and blessed by god in Hinduism. Hindus offer many kinds of offerings to deities called ‘Neivedyam,' and they usually take the means of fruits, flowers, flower garlands, grain offerings, and cooked food, including rice. Once the food is prepared, it is offered to the gods along with prayers. Thereafter the food is said to have transformed into a spiritual substance and becomes prasadam with gods’ blessings. This food sanctified by god is then distributed among devotees, who partake in it to receive special blessings from god. The food offered to god is prepared under strict codes of purity and hygiene. Offerings are also made to ‘Navagraham’, the nine planetary gods in Hinduism, with their favorite food items, which is not usually consumed by devotees.