Poson full-moon Poya day is all about commemorating the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka during the 3rd century BC, and is a festival of great historical and religious significance celebrated island-wide by Buddhists.
For Buddhists, this day is second only to Vesak in terms of importance. Although Poson Poya is honoured throughout the island, it celebrated on the biggest scale in Anuradhapura and Mihintale. Long lines of devotees dressed in white climb the many steps to the top of the Mihintale Hill, first to the temple and then to the dagobas that lie adorning the nearby hillocks. In addition, many devotees climb to the very top of the rock, to the spot where Arahat Mahinda delivered his initial discourses.