Vesak Day Celebrations in Sri Lanka

Vesak encompasses the birth, enlightenment (Nirvana) and passing away (Parinirvana) of Gauthama Buddha. Prince Siddhartha was born on the Fullmoon day in May known as Vesak in 623 BC in the Lumbini Park in Kapilavathu, which is in modern Nepal. Buddhists around the world celebrate Vesak on May 27th and 28th 2010 by observing the eight percepts, meditation, partake in vegetarian meals, giving charity and bathing the Buddha statue.

Siddhartha Gauthama became enlightened at the age of 35 and called Buddha. The Buddha passed away at the age of 80 near Kushinagara, which is in Uttar Pradesh.

It’s a colourful celebration. Buddhists in Nepal, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam celebrate Vesak today.


Lanterns for sale in Moratuwa

Lantern making is an art

People throng the streets to buy lanterns

Despite the wet weather condition the celebration continues

Piyaseeli Zoysa and her husband Stanley Zoysa are seen making lanterns for sale. They have been in business for the past seven years

Vesak greeting cards are for sale

Ganegoda Vithana Nilu Arachchige is seen busy making lanterns. He had been making lanterns for more than four decades

Pandol is being made in Moratuwa

Dove on a pandol

Along the Marine drive in Bambalapitty