Vesak is the most important Poya Day. It falls in the month of May. This is the most important and memorable occasion for all Buddhists. Prince Siddhartha was born in Lumbini (Lumbini is now in Nepal) in Sal Park on Vesak Poya Day. His mother was Queen Mahamaya and father was King Suddhodana.
Prince Siddhartha attained Buddhahood on a Vesak Full Moon Poya Day. It happened at Buddhagaya, India under the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree. Lord Buddha attained Parinirvana on a Vesak day at Kusinara under two Sala trees in Upawattana Sal Park.
Many people including our family observe Ata sil (the eight precepts) on this day. On the night of Vesak Poya Day, we light Vesak lanterns and oil lamps. Buddhist flags are hoisted in all Buddhist homes. Pandals are erected in the city.
Thihansa Vimukthi Alutwala,
Year 3 J,
Asian International School,
Colombo 5.