The Vesak Festival in Sri Lanka

The Vesak Festival in Sri Lanka

Each year during the month of May, Sri Lanka celebrates the Vesak Festival. Vesak is a Buddhist religious celebration focusing on the triple anniversary of Buddha. This triple anniversary refers to his birth, his attainment of Enlightenment, and his passing into Nirvana at the end of his life. The celebration is highly regarded by Sri Lankans throughout the country and an experience that tourists are welcome to join in with.

Cultural Aspects of Vesak

While Vesak is technically a religious festival, everyone is welcome to attend and enjoy the celebrations. Sri Lankans are always welcoming and as such are happy to share their customs with tourists.  During Vesak, the people of Sri Lanka decorate the interior and exteriors of their homes with colourful bamboo lanterns. In fact, even hotels such as the Jetwing Lighthouse and the Fortress Hotel participate in the celebration. It is reminiscent of Christmas lights during the winter holidays in the west.

Tourists Enjoying Vesak

The festival of Vesak marks the first month of the Buddhist calendar. The day of the festival allows devotees to reflect in prayer and remove themselves from their worldly pursuits. It is a festival of devotion that lasts from dawn to dusk. In the evening, as the sun sets, there are elaborate processions that lead through the town and end up back at the temples where participants listen to the monks read from the sacred texts. Tourists are welcome to participate and there are stalls along the roads that provide free refreshments between the various street performances, stilted mimes, and musicians.