Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the Vesak celebrations in Sri Lanka for 2024. Vesak, also known as Buddha Day, is a vibrant and spiritually enriching festival that marks the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of Lord Buddha. This festival transforms Sri Lanka into a dazzling display of lights, lanterns, and cultural festivities, attracting tourists and devotees from around the world. In this post, we will get to know the various aspects of Vesak, including the magnificent Vesak pandals, lanterns, dansal, temple visits, rituals, and much more. Join us as we explore the heart of Sri Lankan culture and spirituality during Vesak 2024.
Let’s talk about Vesak in Sri Lanka
Table of Contents
What is Vesak exactly?
Vesak commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of the Buddha, all believed to have occurred on the same full moon day in the Vesak month. So Vesak falls in the month of May each year and celebrated in a grand manner in Sri Lanka. Vesak is recognized by the United Nations, underscoring its global significance. Also, the Vesak Poya day and the day following are both Public Holidays in Sri Lanka.
Vesak in a Snapshot
Vesak in a snapshot means:
- Vesak Lanterns (artistic and shapes made usually from Bamboo and Paper)
- Vesak Thoran (Pandals) – Gigantic artboards with different drawings and depicting a story from the Jathaka Katha
- Vesak Dansal – Free food or drink stalls organized by a community, company, institution and providing free food/refreshments to the passers
- Vesak Bhakthi Gee – A type of songs and poems related to the Vesak festival or Buddhism
- Vesak Cards – even though the cards are no longer in action much, e-cards or posters get shared digitally.
Now, let’s try to have a bit more details about each elements.
Vesak Lanterns
Sri Lankan nights transform during Vesak with the gentle glow of beautifully crafted Vesak lanterns. These handcrafted wonders, traditionally made from paper and bamboo, symbolize the dispelling of darkness and the spread of enlightenment.
More about the history of the Vesak Lantern: https://www.meshaunjourneys.com/blog/story-of-the-vesak-lantern/
Vesak Thoran (Pandals)
These large, illuminated structures depict scenes from the life of the Buddha, intricately crafted with vibrant colors and lights. We call the stories as the Pansiya Panas Jathaka Stories – the Five Hundred and Fifty Life stories of Lord Buddha. Vesak pandals, or thoranas, are one of the most spectacular features of the Vesak festival in Sri Lanka.
Vesak Dansal
Dansal are free food stalls set up during Vesak, offering meals and refreshments to anyone who visits, embodying the spirit of Dana (charitable giving). Participating in Dansal is considered a meritorious act, fostering compassion and community spirit. The dansal have now taken a modern outlook, it could be free food, free drinks, coffee, sago, tea, herbal drinks, flowers, incense sticks, vegetable parcels, buns – many things shared for free.
Vesak Bhakthi Gee
Melodies of faith; songs we call as Bhakthi Gee. This means Devoted Songs as Bhakthi/Bathi means Devoted or Intended for the Gods songs (Devotional songs that praise the Buddha and his teachings).
Here is a link for a collection of Vesak Bhakthi Gee: https://on.soundcloud.com/smSawAfi1qm9gxa38
Vesak Cards
Sending Vesak greeting cards is a beloved tradition, symbolizing the sharing of joy and blessings. Cards often feature images of the Buddha, Vesak lanterns, and temples. Increasingly, digital Vesak cards and social media greetings are popular. About 20 years ago, people used to post Vesak Cards to one another, like how people shared Christmas Cards. Now of course many WhatsApp groups, emails are used to send the Vesak wishes.
Vesak Zones in Colombo
Colombo transforms into a series of Vesak zones, each with its unique attractions and events. Major Vesak zones include Bauddhaloka Mawatha, known for its grand pandals and lantern displays, and Gangaramaya Temple, the central hub for religious activities and cultural performances. Pettah is famous for its bustling dansal and street celebrations, while Viharamahadevi Park offers family-friendly activities and lantern exhibitions.
Temple visits and Rituals
Visiting temples and participating in rituals is a significant aspect of Vesak celebrations. Key rituals include Sil observance, where devotees observe Eight Precepts (Atasil) for spiritual purification. Offerings of flowers, incense, and candles are made at temples, and many engage in meditation sessions to reflect on the Buddha’s teachings.
Bhakthi gee, or devotional songs, are sung in temples and public places, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere. These songs praise the Buddha and his teachings, and their melodious tunes create a serene and reflective environment.
Traditional Costumes
Traditional attire is often worn during Vesak to honor the occasion. Men typically wear white sarongs and shirts, symbolizing purity, while women wear white sarees or dresses with simple, elegant designs. Children also wear special Vesak-themed clothing, including costumes for cultural performances, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Another fun and intriguing habit of the younger generations celebrating Vesak is the Vesak Munu (Vesak face masks). It used to be that these masks often depict characters from Buddhist mythology, folklore, and nature, symbolizing various virtues and moral lessons. But, now the trend has changed and kids seem to get updated masks as depicted above.
Vesak in Colombo Each Year
Planning to travel to Sri Lanka for the next year’s Vesak?
Let us help you plan the best travel itinerary and tips for your Sri Lanka travel.
Send us an email (hello@meshaunjourneys.com) or connect with us on WhatsApp (+94703244444)