SRI LANKA's Largest Religious Festival-'Vesak'(23rd of May 2024)

Vesak is the most important festival of Buddhists. On that day, the birth, enlightenment and passing away of Buddha are commemorated. Many Buddhists celebrate this festival on the fifth day of Vesak . Vesak is a cultural holiday celebrated annually by South Asian and Southeast Asian countries such as Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Indonesia, Pakistan and India. 

The date of Vesak varies according to different calendars followed by different traditions. According to the calendar followed by the followers of Theravada, Vesak falls on the full moon day. But according to the Chinese lunar calendar, Vesak falls on the eighth day of the fourth month. According to the western Georgian calendar, Vesak falls in April and May, but it varies from year to year.

The Dhammayutika and Mahayanika sects of Thai Buddhism celebrated Vesak Day for the year 2009 on May 8th and Sri Lanka celebrated Vesak Day on that day. On May 9th, Vesak Day was celebrated in Singapore for the year 2009.

Vesak festival is celebrated in Sri Lanka as a religious and cultural festival on the fifteenth day of Vesak month. This is about a week. This celebration includes many almsgiving and religious activities. Pantheons illuminated by electric light are built in Colombo and surrounding areas. These are sponsored by philanthropists, religious organizations and welfare societies. Each pantheon is based on the plot of five hundred and fifty Jataka stories. In addition, Vesak lamps (Vesak kudu) are hung in front of houses and on both sides of the road. They symbolize the light of the great trinity of Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha. Philanthropists set up dansals that provide free food and drinks. During this week, large crowds gather in Colombo from almost all parts of the country.