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Vesak Festival
Vesak is the most holy time in the Buddhist calendar.
Vesak is celebrated on the First full moon day in
May (common years) or first full moon day in June (leap years)
Vesak is celebrated to commemorate three most important
events associated with Buddha, the birth of Buddha, his attaining
Enlightenment and his passing away into Nirvana.
Though Sri Lanka has centuries old tradition of celebrating
Buddhist festivals, it was at the first Conference of the
World Fellowship of Buddhists (W.F.B.) held in Sri Lanka in
1950, that the decision to celebrate Vesak as the Buddha's
birthday was formalized.
Vesak Celebrations
Vesak devotional songs, Processions, Bodhi Poojas,
Pandals, lanterns, all could be seen at the time of this Buddhist
festival.
On this auspicious day devoted Buddhists pray in
temples from dawn to dusk, and hear Buddhist scriptures from
monks. Later in the day they also take part in processions.
While visiting Temples devotees bring offerings of
flowers, candles and joss sticks to lay at the feet of their
teacher.
This day is also famous for great illumination and
decoration of houses as well as streets. Lanterns made from
bamboo frames and covered in colored paper are hung inside
every home and streets are illuminated.
During the celebration of Vesak all liquor shops
and slaughterhouses are closed by the government.
On this auspicious occasion a large number of birds
and animals are also released, an act symbolizing freedom.
Celebrating Vesak also means doing special things
for the betterment of the aged, the handicapped and the sick.
To this end, people distribute gifts in cash and kind to various
charitable homes throughout the country.
India Sri Lanka Tours offer information on Vesak and online
booking for Sri Lanka Tours. To book your tour or for more
information please fill the form given below.
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