Vesak Festival in Sri Lanka

Official name:    Vesak (Sinhalese), Vesākha (Pāli), Vaisākha (Sanskrit)
Type of Festival:   Religious celebration
Featured in religions:   Buddhism
Significance:   The birth, enlightenment and death of Gautama Buddha
Frequency:   annual
Also called:   Buddha's Birthday or Buddha Day

    Vesak is a religious and cultural colorful festival in Sri Lanka. It is celebrated on the day of the full moon in the month of May.

    Vesak Day is one of the important days of the year and is celebrated by Buddhists all over the world. Buddhists commemorate the important events that took place in the life of Lord Buddha on this day. First comes the birth of Siddhartha Gautama in Lumbini in Nepal which took place under the arbor of Sat trees where queen Mahamaya gave birth to him. The second event was Siddharta Gautam’s supreme attainment as the Buddha, the Enlightened One. The third event was Lord Buddha’s Parinibbana over 2500 years ago at Kusinagar. These three events have deep impact on the culture and heritage of Sri Lanka.

The third event was Lord Buddha’s

    Sri Lankans gathered in religious temples, prepare special food items, engage in charity works, and share the words of wisdom and joy with each other. Houses, public places, and shops are decorated with lights, pandols and colorful lanterns on this day.

    The birth of Siddhartha was the beginning of a journey where young Siddhartha found the ultimate truth after years of deep meditation at the age of thirty five. He became the Gautama Buddha and taught millions of people the way of peace and serenity.

Many religious activities are organized during this period in Sri Lanka such as Sil campaigns, Bodhi Poojas, Dansalas (Freely giving foods, coffee, tea from people), Vesak devotional songs (Bakthi Gee), pandols (thoran) and lanterns.

 

 

 

 

 

Birth of Siddharta Gautam

    The Siddharth or lord Buddha, the divine creature inquired about five affairs before expiring for the final birth. The inquiries are the: right time, right area, right continent, right caste and right mother.

    Then, as any Buddhists know, the fully mindful divine being entered the womb of Queen Mahamaya. A prince was born on a Vesak Poya day to the Queen and King Suddhodana and was named Siddhartha, one who has found meaning of existence. The Queen passed away seven days after the prince’s birth.

Birth of Siddharta Gautam

 Attainment as Lord Buddha

    Gautama Buddha was trained in various mental skills under many teachers, only to get disillusioned that they do not have the truth he looked for. The right way to achieve the truth dawned on him one day. He directed his mind in the path of meditation. Moments later he reached enlightenment and conquered the world of sorrows on Vesak Poya day.

Attainment as Lord Buddha

 Lord Buddha’s Parinibbana

      80-year old Gotama Buddha then announced His passing away, Parinibbana, would take place on the third watch of the night at Sal grove of Malla royal family, and it happened to be a Vesak Poya day.

Lord Buddha’s Parinibbana

Vesak Pandols (Thorana) in Sri Lanka

Vesak Pandols

       In Vesak Season in electrically lit Vesak pandols called thoranas are erected island wide at public places, being mostly sponsored by donors, religious societies and welfare groups. Each pandol illustrates a story from the 550 ‘Jathaka Katha’ or the 548 Past Life Stories of the Buddha.

Vesak Lanterns in Sri Lanka

Vesak Lanterns

    Vesak lanterns called Vesak koodu are lit in most of the homes in Sri Lanka on Vesak poya day. The lighting signifies an offering to the memory of the Buddha who delivered the message of Dhamma. In ancient times, people used their clay oil lamps for illumination. When candles became popular, colourful lanterns were made in different shapes and colours were used. Many associations arrange competitions on Vesak lanterns with the creators of the most beautiful lanterns being awarded valuable prizes.

Vesak devotional songs (Bakthi Gee, Bhakthi Geetha)

      "Vesak Bhakthi Geetha" are songs dedicated to the Buddha specially sung during the month of May. They are also called singing devotional songs about the Buddha to celebrate the birth  enlightenment and passing away of the Buddha.