In May, Buddhists the world over celebrate the Vesak Full Moon Poya day. It is one of the most important days of the year which is celebrated by Buddhists. The Vesak festival is celebrated as a religious and cultural festival in Sri Lanka.
The Government made Vesak full moon Poya day, a public holiday in 1885 due to the intervention of Henry Steel Olcott.
Three special events (Themagula)
Buddhists worldwide commemorate Prince Siddhartha’s Birth, his Enlightenment and Gauthama Buddha’s Parinirvana on this day.
Sathara Peranimithi
On this special day, Prince Siddhartha got disillusioned with lay life after seeing the Sathara Peranimithi which were an old person, a patient, a corpse and an ascetic in robes.
Arahath Ananda attained Parinibbana on a Vesak Poya day.
Buddha’s third visit
Buddha’s third visit to Sri Lanka also took place on a Vesak Poya day, He visited the Solosmasthana (11 places of worship).
The Sripada pilgrimage season which begins on Unduvap Poya day in December ends on Vesak Poya day. King Devanampiyatissa received the royal seat second time on the Vesak poya day.
On this Poya Day King Vijaya arrived in the island.
Buddhists in Sri Lanka, mark the Vesak full moon Poya day engaging in many religious activities such as Aamisa Pooja and Prathipaththi Pooja. And also, on this special day Buddhist make Vesak thoranas (Pandals), lanterns, Vesak zones, dansalas and participate in many more activities. Vesak is also great festival that brings us happiness and spiritual peace.
Mihi Deegodage
Pic: Internet