Vesak Full Moon Poya Day is a very important day for Buddhists. On this day, the Triple Auspicious Event (the birth, enlightenment, and Parinirvana of the Buddha) took place, so it is also considered a triple festival. Usually, it falls in May.
“Vesak Full Moon Poya day”
On Vesak day, Buddhists engage in various religious activities. Many Buddhists go to temples and engage in religious observances. Offering alms and listening to sermons are common here. Giving food, drinks, and clothing to the poor and needy is done on this day. Many remember the teachings of the Buddha and engage in meditation. In some areas, the release of animals is symbolically carried out. Homes and streets are decorated with colorful lanterns and electric bulbs. Many Buddhists consume only vegetarian food on Vesak day.
The Vesak festival is celebrated very grandly in Sri Lanka. Here you can see colorful pandals and hear Buddhist hymns. Many people participate in religious activities.
Now it is Vesak time in Sri Lanka (May). Here’s how the Vesak festival is celebrated in Sri Lanka. Large, beautifully decorated pandals depicting Jataka stories are erected in cities and villages. At night, they are illuminated with colorful electric lights. Houses and streets are decorated with beautiful Vesak lanterns of various shapes and sizes. Competitions are also held for the best lantern.
Free food and drinks are provided by individuals and organizations through Dansalas (alms halls). This embodies the Buddhist concept of charity. Many people go to temples and engage in religious activities such as offering flowers, lighting lamps, meditating, and listening to sermons. Observing sil (precepts) is also common here. Devotional songs about the Buddha and his teachings are often sung. Many people engage in charitable activities such as donating to the poor. Although it is now somewhat controversial, in the past, the release of animals as a symbol of compassion was part of Vesak celebrations.
Since it is currently Vesak time in Sri Lanka, you will be able to see these kinds of activities.
Dansalas are a very important aspect of the Vesak festival in Sri Lanka. The word “Dansala” is derived from the Pali word “Dāna,” which means donation or giving. The main purpose of setting up Dansalas during Vesak is to provide food, drinks, and other necessities to the public free of charge, without any payment. This is the practical implementation of the Buddhist concept of generosity.
Dansalas –
You can see various types of Dansalas. Some Dansalas offer complete meals like rice and curry, while others offer noodles, roti, ice cream, beverages, or other snacks. Dansalas are usually set up near temples, along main roads, and in crowded public places. Dansalas are organized by private individuals, families, groups of friends, businesses, or other organizations. They volunteer and contribute money, labor, and materials.
The primary purpose of setting up Dansalas is to accrue merit and help others. According to Buddhist teachings, giving brings happiness and accumulates good karma. Organizing Dansalas is often a collective effort. Many people come together to participate in activities such as preparing and distributing food, and cleaning the premises. Dansalas are considered a unique feature of Sri Lanka’s Vesak culture. They are not just places where food is distributed, but also places that foster cooperation and kindness among people.
Vesak Thorana –
Vesak Thorana are large, illuminated panels erected in Sri Lanka during the Vesak festival season. These usually depict stories of the Buddha’s previous lives from the Jataka tales.
The Thorana are very large, and their paintings and illuminations are very elaborate. Artists hand-paint these, and they are illuminated using electric bulbs. Each Thorana depicts one Jataka story, and it is designed so that the essence of the story and Buddhist teachings can be easily understood by the audience. Thorana can be seen in major locations in cities, near temples, and along roads where people gather more. The main purpose of building Thorana is to propagate Buddhist stories and add beauty to the Vesak festival.
Vesak Lanterns –
Vesak lanterns are lamps of various shapes used to decorate homes, streets, and temples during the Vesak season. Lanterns are created in the shapes of stars, octagons, lotus flowers, and other creative designs. These come in various colors, and both simple and complex designs can be seen.
Many people make lanterns with their own hands. It is also a fun activity for family members to do together. Candles or electric bulbs are lit inside the lanterns to highlight their beauty at night. It is believed that lanterns symbolize light and wisdom. They contribute to the joyful and festive atmosphere of the Vesak festival. These Thorana and lanterns are unique and colorful aspects of the Vesak festival.
There are many reasons why the Vesak festival is important for foreign tourists:
Unique Cultural Experience: Vesak is a very important aspect of Buddhist culture and is celebrated very grandly in Sri Lanka. By participating in this festival, foreign tourists can experience the true Sri Lankan culture and religiosity. The Thorana, lanterns, Dansalas, and religious observances will be a new and interesting experience for them.
Colorful Sights: Sri Lanka is very colorful during the Vesak season. The vibrant Thorana, beautiful lanterns, and illuminations provide visually stunning sights for tourists. These are valuable opportunities for taking photographs and making memories.
Witnessing Humanitarian Values: Through activities such as the free distribution of food and drinks through Dansalas, foreign tourists can witness the kindness, generosity, and hospitality of Sri Lankans. This can create a powerful and positive impression on tourists.
Religious and Spiritual Understanding: The Vesak festival is very important for tourists interested in Buddhism. By participating in religious activities held in temples and listening to the sermons of Buddhist monks, they can gain a greater understanding of Buddhism.
Calm and Peaceful Atmosphere: A peaceful and calm atmosphere can be seen in many areas during the Vesak season. This can be a good opportunity for foreign tourists living busy lives to spend time relaxing.
Accordingly, the Vesak festival can be considered a great opportunity for foreign tourists to experience the culture, religiosity, and humanitarian qualities of Sri Lanka.
Samudra Sayamali Weerasinghe
