Poson Poya Celebrations on a Grand Scale this June – Commemorating the Gift of Buddhism

On the 3^rd of June this year, many Buddhists celebrated Poson Poya Day on a grand scale, after having difficulties holding grand celebrations in the past years due to the pandemic. Streets were decorated with lights and lanterns and were filled with the famous “Dansals” where the public was given free food, beverages, and sometimes even goods. Poson celebrates the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka by the sacred Buddhist monk Arahat Mahinda. In some towns, the decorations include small settings replicating the Mihintale rock with Mahinda and other thero.

It is customary that the public to visit the temple and provide meals to Buddhist monks, clean the temple surroundings, and go sightseeing at night to see the decorations and enjoy some free food at the famous Dansals. Some pilgrims visit the sacred Adam’s Peak during this time and take lodging at a nearby hotel in Nuwara Eliya or the Hatton area, such as the Heritance Tea Factory.