Vesak, observed in Sri Lanka, is a significant religious and cultural festival marked on the full moon day, called Poya in the Sinhala language, every May. The celebration of Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and passing, known as the Vesak festival, is a cherished occasion in Sri Lanka, marked by vibrant ceremonies that typically span about a week. During this time, the streets come alive with freebies, traditional sandals, and ornate decorations, creating a festive and joyous atmosphere.
Lights and Lanterns
As Vesak approaches, vibrant digital light designs, known as thoranas, adorn the cities of Sri Lanka. These intricate displays artfully depict stories from the renowned Jataka Tales, captivating viewers with their visual storytelling. Another prominent indicator is the sight of colorful lanterns adorning streets and homes. Additionally, numerous stalls lining the roads will offer complimentary food and beverages, accompanied by the melodic tunes of singing groups performing Buddhist devotional songs known as bhakti gee as they traverse town. Colombo offers a massive light display for locals and tourists.
Temple Worships
Buddhist devotees across Sri Lanka visit local temples and may journey to distant ones, offering flowers and incense. They wear white attire and light lamps, attend teaching sessions by monks, dedicate themselves to Buddha's teachings, recite verses, and observe the Buddhist flag flying atop temples. It's a great chance to visit The Raja Maha Vihara Temple, located in Kelaniya town just under 10 miles (16 km) from Colombo, which holds significant importance in the Buddhist tradition. It is believed that Buddha personally visited and blessed this temple during his last journey to Sri Lanka prior to his passing.
During this sacred occasion, alms-giving, known as 'Dana,' holds great significance, symbolizing the sharing of joy and peace among individuals. Throughout the Vesak Festival week, the sale of alcohol and meat is typically prohibited, and abattoirs are closed in observance of the festivities.
History of Vesak
Several countries that celebrate Vesak only mark the first full moon day. While Vesak has traditionally been a significant Buddhist holy day, its official recognition came about during the World Fellowship of Buddhists' gathering in Sri Lanka in 1950. Vesak is sometimes referred to as Buddha's Birthday, but it's also known as Buddha Day, which might be a more comprehensive term. This is because the day commemorates not just Buddha's birth but also his enlightenment (nirvana) and passing, encompassing his entire life rather than just his birth.
