To mark the 2600th anniversary of the Enlightenment of Lord Buddha , Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa on May 14 declared the year commencing from the Buddha Jayanti day or the Vesak Full Moon Poya Day, as the Sri Sambuddhatva Jayanthi commemoration year.
The world’s largest Buddhist publications and information centre was also inaugurated by the Sri Lankan President today to mark 2600 years of Lord Buddha’s Enlightenment.
Vesak is both a religious and cultural festival in Sri Lanka. It is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of May.
This day has a special significance for the Buddhists the world over as it encompasses the birth, enlightenment (nirvana) , and passing away (Parinirvana) of Gautam Buddha.
The significance of Vesak lies with the Buddha and his universal peace message to mankind.
Apart from Sri Lanka, many Asian countries including India, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, Indonesia and Nepal celebrate Vesak.
Many religious activities are organized during this period in Sri Lanka such as Sil campaigns, Bodhi Poojas, Dansalas (Freely giving foods, coffee, tea from people ), Vesak devotional songs (Bhakti Geet), pandals (thoran) and lighting of special vesak lanterns.
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