Vesak
Full Moon - MAY
Vesak
is celebrated on the day of the full moon in May. It is the most
hallowed of Buddhist festivals, almost a Christmas, Easier and Whitsun
rolled into one as it commemorates the birth of the Buddha, his
enlightenment and his death.
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Vesak
devotional songs, sil campaigns, Bodhi Poojas, Dansalas, Pandals,
lanterns, greeting cards and stamps are some of the things that we
see every year at the time of this Buddhist festival.
Buddhists commemorate
the important events that took place in the life of Lord Buddha
on this Vesak Full Moon Poya 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.
In the Vesak week we find many activities conducted by the Buddhists
devotees such as devotional song campaigns, almsgiving, lighting
of Vesak lanterns ..etc. Many Viharas are filled with Atasil devotees
and pilgrims all over Sri Lanka to mark this great event.
In temples Buddhists
worship, offer flowers, light lamps and burn incense. These traditional
observances, in essence, have their value in satisfying the religious
and emotional needs of the people. On this holy day the Dana plays
an important role. Every devotee gives alms. This is a sign of sharing
with joy and peace with people. The Vesak Pandal depicting various
Jathaka stories with paintings are erected all over Sri Lanka. They
are illuminated and presented beautifully.
Many
Vest lanterns are displayed at houses, which are very attractive
and beautify the nights.
There is a long-standing tradition in Sri Lanka of sending greeting
cards on this joyous occasion. People share their happiness among
relatives and friends by exchanging Vest cards. Many associations
arrange to hold an exhibition of paintings or competition on Vest
lanterns. The winners are awarded valuable prizes.
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