Vesak Celebrations In Sri Lanka

One of the biggest days in the Buddhist world, Vesak is a cultural and religious festival celebrated around the world in Buddhist dominated countries. Recognized as Buddha’s day, Vesak is celebrated on the day of the full moon in May to commemorate the birth, enlightenment and the passing away of the Lord Buddha.

Sri Lanka begins its preparations and festivities during the week leading up to the Vesak full moon, and noticeable changes can be seen around the country. With all liquor stores and slaughterhouses closed on government order, the purchasing and selling of fresh meat and any alcoholic beverage is prohibited throughout the country. Instead the streets are decorated with colorful lanterns, digital lights and Vesak pandols telling a story from the famous Jataka Tales.

With the Vesak ambience surrounding the whole country, Buddhist worshippers don white clothing and visit their local temples. There they offer flowers, burn incense, light the oil lamps and recite the Buddhist verses to rededicate themselves to the Buddhist way. One of the main highlights of the Vesak week is when the Sri Lankan roadways and towns are ringing with bhakti gee (Buddhist religious songs). Many stalls called “dansals” can be also be seen where joyous devotees give out free food and drinks. The 2019 Vesak celebrations fall on the 18th and the 19th of May.




Written By: Kavisha Perera