Vesak Festival

Sri Lanka celebrates Vesak on the month of May- a thrice-blessed day for Buddhists as it commemorates the birth of Buddha, his attaining Enlightenment and his passing away into Nirvana.

This is a day spent in reflective prayer while lanterns called Vessak Koodu, made from bamboo frames and covered in coloured paper are hung in front of every home and incredible illuminated displays decorate the streets. Devoted Buddhists pray in temples from dawn until dusk, then take part in processions as the sun sets, visiting the temples again in the evening to hear monks read stories from the Buddhist texts. Electrically lit pandols called toranas are erected in various locations in Colombo and elsewhere, most sponsored by donors, religious societies and welfare groups. Each pandol illustrates a story from the 550 Jataka Katha or the 550 Past Life Stories of the Buddha.

In temples Buddhists worship, offer flowers, light lamps and burn incense. These traditional observances, in essence, have their value in satisfying the religious and emotional needs of the people.

Sri Lanka celebrated Vesak Festival for two days. All liquor shops and slaughter houses are closed by government decree for these two days. As a symbolic act of liberation birds, insects and animals are released in huge numbers. Many devout Buddhists wear simple white dresses on Vesak Day and spend the whole day in temples with renewed determination to observe the observance of the Eight Precepts of Buddhism. Vesak celebration also means making special efforts to bring happiness to the people in more straightened circumstances.

On this holy day the Dana plays an important role. Every devotee gives alms. This is a sign of sharing with joy and peace with people. Food stalls set up by Buddhist devotees called dansälas provide free food and drinks to passersby. Colombo experiences a massive influx of public from all parts of the country during this week. This is a very colourful & Joy full event in Sri Lankan calendar.