Wesak festival 2024

The Vesak Festival, also known as Buddha Purnima or Buddha Jayanti, is one of the most significant and widely celebrated Buddhist festivals in Sri Lanka. It commemorates three key events in the life of the Buddha: his birth, enlightenment, and passing (parinirvana). Typically, Vesak falls on the full moon day in May, known as the Vesak Poya day, and it is a public holiday in Sri Lanka. Here are the main details about the celebration:

1. Religious Observances

• Bodhi Pooja: Devotees gather in temples across the country to pay homage to the Buddha through Bodhi Pooja, or offerings made at sacred Bo trees. These rituals include chanting and offerings like flowers, incense, and oil lamps.
• Sil Campaigns: Many Buddhists observe “sil,” which involves taking a set of eight or ten precepts to cultivate a more disciplined and mindful lifestyle during the Vesak period. This usually includes abstaining from harmful actions and focusing on meditation, prayer, and reflection.
• Dharma Talks: Buddhist monks give sermons, or Dharma talks, on the Buddha’s teachings. These are held at temples, public spaces, and even broadcasted on television and radio.

2. Vesak Decorations

• Vesak Lanterns (Vesak Kudu): Homes, streets, and public areas are decorated with vibrant Vesak lanterns made from bamboo and paper. These lanterns are symbolic of enlightenment, illuminating the path of wisdom and compassion.
• Pandals (Thoranas): Large illuminated displays