National Event - Vesak

Vesak Poya Day is one of the biggest days of the year and is celebrated by Buddhists in Sri Lanka to commemorate the three important events that took place in the life of Lord Buddha on this day. The three events are the birth of Siddhartha Gautama in Lumbini, Siddhartha Gautam’s supreme attainment as the Buddha, ‘the Enlightened One’ and Lord Buddha’s Parinibbana over 2500 years ago at Kushinagar.

This is a day spent in reflective prayer as people cease worldly pursuits and engage themselves in religious activities. This is also a festival of ‘Lights’, so if you happen to travel to the country during this festival, you will have the delightful experience of witnessing the beautiful Vesak pandols called ‘thoranas’, erected throughout the island at public locations. Also, delicate and intricately constructed Vesak lanterns, which are known as Vesak ‘koodu’, are lit in all Buddhist homes. The lighting signifies an offering to the memory of the Buddha who delivered the message of Dhamma. Many other events such as ‘Sil’ campaigns, ‘Bodhi Poojas’, Vesak devotional songs called ‘Bakthi Gee’ take place during this period. Best of all are the ‘Dansalas’ - yes food and beverages are served on the street during the festival - free of charge!