‘Vesak’ a significant and sacred festival celebrated by millions brings with it a sense of peace, mindfulness, and an appreciation for nature’s beauty. This year, the Zero Plastic Movement of the University of Kelaniya took this essence to heart by launching an innovative and environmentally conscious initiative to celebrate Vesak in a sustainable manner. On 15th of June 2024, they introduced an eco-friendly competition with the dual objective of honoring the spirit of Vesak and promoting environmental responsibility.
The competition featured two creative categories,a poem competition and a graphic design competition. Participants were invited to submit original works that captured the themes of Vesak while emphasizing the importance of environmental consciousness. This initiative provided a unique platform for individuals to express their thoughts on spirituality, nature, and sustainability through their creative talents.
To encourage participation and engagement, winners were determined through a blend of public votes on Facebook and evaluations by a panel of judges. The most popular entries, determined by the number of Facebook likes, aimed to increase interaction and reach on our social media page. In addition, a judging panel carefully reviewed submissions to award those that demonstrated exceptional creativity and a deep connection to the competition’s themes.
The timeline for the competition was carefully planned to maximize participation. Registration opened on June 18, providing ample time for interested individuals to prepare their submissions. Reminders were consistently posted to keep the momentum going until the final day for submissions on June 24. Following this, the voting phase commenced on June 26, giving the community an opportunity to engage with and support their favorite entries. Voting closed on June 30, and anticipation built up as the winners were announced on the evening of June 31.
The eco-friendly Vesak competition not only celebrated the festival’s essence but also reinforced the importance of adopting sustainable practices in everyday life. By encouraging participants to explore the intersection of spirituality and environmental responsibility, the competition fostered a deeper awareness of the need to protect our planet.
The initiative achieved its objectives with resounding success, engaging the community in a meaningful celebration of Vesak while promoting the message of a plastic-free environment. The heightened social media interaction not only increased awareness about the movement’s cause but also attracted a wider audience, demonstrating the power of creative expression in driving social change.
The Zero Plastic Movement of the University of Kelaniya’s eco-friendly Vesak competition exemplifies how traditions can be harmoniously blended with modern environmental consciousness. Through the power of creativity and community engagement, this initiative has set a benchmark for celebrating cultural events in ways that are both meaningful and sustainable. As the lights of Vesak lanterns illuminate the night, they also shine a light on the path toward a greener, more mindful world.