Vesak Festival in Sri Lanka: A Celebration of Light and Enlightenment – By Malsha – eLanka Vesak, also known as Buddha Purnima, is one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in Sri Lanka, marking the birth, enlightenment, and death (Parinirvana) of Gautama Buddha. Observed on the day of the full moon in the month of Vesakha (usually May), this sacred occasion is a time for reflection, devotion, and festive joy across the island nation. Historical and Religious Significance The Vesak festival traces its roots to the ancient Buddhist traditions and scriptures. It commemorates the three pivotal events in the life of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha: his birth in Lumbini, Nepal; his enlightenment under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India; and his passing away at Kushinagar, India. These events are seen as milestones in the Buddhist journey towards the cessation of suffering and the attainment of Nirvana. In ...
