Vesak Celebrated in Sri Lanka – Experiencing the Festival of Light

Sri Lanka’s main Buddhist religious festival, Vesak, was celebrated this month across the island. This special day falls on the first full moon in May and this year, it fell on 5th May with many traditions being followed. Known as the Festival of Light, this day commemorates Lord Buddha’s birth, as well as his attainment of enlightenment and his passing away. Thus, it’s customary for Buddhists to dress in white and visit temples to engage in prayer and meditation.

Such practices could be witnessed at many sacred sites like the Kande Viharaya in Aluthgama which can be visited by those based at an Induruwa hotel including beachside properties like Villa 700. Other traditions of Vesak which were observed during this time were the showcasing of lanterns as well as pandals which are large displays of stories linked to Gautama Buddha. The festival is also known for people engaging in meritorious deeds and it’s customary for them to freely offer food or drinks to those passing by.