Vesak is the most important festival for Buddhists all over the world. The importance of Vesak is that the Buddha’s Birth, Enlightenment and Passing Away occurred on this day. King Suddhadhana was the father of Prince Siddhartha and Queen Mahamaya was his mother. The Buddha was born in Lumbini when his mother was visiting her parents. Queen Mahamaya passed away seven days after giving birth to the Buddha. Queen Prajapathi Gothami became the Prince’s foster mother. Prince Siddhartha grew up very comfortably. On Esala Poya day Prince Siddhartha left the palace which is called the renunciation. After six years of Renunciation, Prince Siddhartha got Enlightenment as Gauthama, at Buddhagaya. Then, the Buddha spent seven weeks which is called ‘Sath Sathiya’. The Buddha taught us how to be good people and attain the path of ‘Nibbana’. The Buddha passed away 45 years after enlightenment in Upawathana park.
This is the importance of the Vesak festival. People observe Sil on this day. We make pandals and Vesak lanterns to celebrate Vesak. We do lots of meritorious deeds on this day such as observing Sil and giving dansals. As children, we should follow the teaching of the Buddha and we should be an example to others.
Dewmini Sathsara,
Grade 9 B,
NCEF Buddhist College,
Mulleriyawa.