Day after Vesak Full Moon Poya Day in Sri Lanka ― Date, History, and Details
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History of Day after Vesak Full Moon Poya Day in Sri Lanka and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
Vesak Full Moon Poya Day is an important religious holiday in Sri Lanka. It marks the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of the Buddha. The day is usually celebrated with a public holiday and is observed by Buddhists all over the world.
The history of Vesak Full Moon Poya Day in Sri Lanka can be traced back to the 3rd century B.C. when Emperor Asoka visited the island nation and was said to have built 84,000 stupas (monuments) to commemorate the life and teachings of the Buddha. Since then, Vesak has been celebrated annually in Sri Lanka as a way of honoring the legacy of the Enlightened One.
To celebrate Vesak Full Moon Poya Day, Buddhists in Sri Lanka often visit temples and monasteries, take part in dana (alms-giving) ceremonies, meditate, chant mantras, and listen to sermons. In some places, devotees will also participate in candlelight processions or lantern festivals. People also decorate their homes and public areas with colorful flags and lights. On this day, many Sri Lankans will abstain from eating meat and drinking alcohol and instead stick to a vegetarian diet.