Vesak is considered a religious and cultural festival in Sri Lanka. It is celebrated on the day of the full moon in May. Vesak Day is one of the biggest days of the year in the Buddhist calendar and celebrated by Buddhists all over the world. Buddhists commemorate the important events in the life of Lord Buddha on this Vesak Full Moon Poya Day. First the birth of Siddhartha Gautama in Lumbini in Nepal which took place on the arbour of Sal trees where queen Mahamaya gave birth to him. The second event was Siddharta Gautam's supreme attainment as the Buddha, the Enlightened One. The third event was Lord Buddha's Parinibbana (demise) over 2500 years ago at Kusinagar. It is noteworthy that all three said events took place on a Vesak day.
Apart from Sri Lanka, many Asian countries including India, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, Indonesia and Nepal celebrate Vesak. Many religious activities are organized during this period in Sri Lanka such as Sil campaigns, Bodhi Poojas, Dansalas (food, , coffee, tea offered free by people, in public places), Vesak devotional songs (Bakthi Gee), pandols (Thoran) and lantern competitions. Temples are filled with Atasil devotees following the eight precepts and pilgrims, all over Sri Lanka, to mark this great event. In temples Buddhists worship, offer flowers, light lamps and burn incense. These traditional observances, in essence, satisfy the religious and emotional needs of the people. As it is mainly a religious event, for devout Buddhists, religious observances become the highlight.
By Dhanushka Wijeyekoon
Assistant Marketing Manager – Tours
NKAR Travels & Tours Pvt Ltd - Sri Lanka
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