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The Vesak Festival is an important occasion for Sri Lankan Buddhists, who join other Buddhists around the world in celebrating this event which falls on the day of the full moon in the month of May. For the Buddhist faithful this religious event has become a cultural occasion as well, with many interesting customs and traditions being associated with it.

Vesak Day has a threefold significance for Buddhists. According to Buddhist scriptures the birth of the Buddha occurred on such a full moon night in May, when Queen Mahamaya gave birth to the future Buddha. The second momentous event which took place on this day is the Enlightenment of the Buddha who thereby became omniscient and the Supreme Being, all-knowing and free of all defilements. Finally the death of the Buddha (Parinibbana) took place on this day.

Many unique activities are associated with Vesak in Sri Lanka. Bodhi Poojas venerating the sacred Bo tree and taking strict vows of ‘Sil’ on this day are strong traditions amongst the faithful. Devotional songs are sung and publicly aired and many homes prepare their own Vesak lanterns, specially made for the occasion. A much looked forward to aspect of the celebration is the colourful pandols which are constructed for the occasion; these are huge creations featuring vivid illustrations and hundreds of light bulbs, depicting a ‘Jataka’, a story of a former incarnation of the Buddha, which typically have an inherent moral.

As one might expect on this holy day the local temples are inundated with devotees, who take ‘Atasil’ vows, listen to sermons delivered by monks, give alms, offer flowers, light lamps and incense and cultivate wholesome thoughts.

Many people get together to set up a ‘Dansala’, a stall offering free food or drink to anyone who passes by. During the sacred week, the selling of alcoholic drinks is prohibited and the sale of fresh meat is halted. Slaughterhouses are closed and many devotees refrain from eating any kind of meat.

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