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Vesak is a holy day for millions of Buddhist around the world as it commemorates Gautama Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and ‘parinirvana’ or passing away. The exact day of the festival varies according to the lunar calendars of various cultures but in Theravada Buddhist countries following the Buddhist Calendar it generally falls on a full moon day on the 6th lunar month which is usually in May. The name Vesak itself is a derivative of the name for the lunar month occurring from April to May. Although festivals to mark Vesak had been taking place for several centuries, the decision to celebrate Vesak worldwide as Buddha’s birthday was taken at the first conference of the World Fellowship of Buddhists held in Sri Lanka in 1950. The United Nations started observing Vesak at their head quarters and offices around the world from 1999.

Vesak is celebrated by Buddhists according to the traditions laid down in their cultures. In Sri Lanka many Buddhists rise early in the morning to gather at temples in time for the first prayers, to offer flowers, light candles and joss sticks to honour the Buddha, hoist Buddhist flags. Many wear simple white clothing and spend the whole day in the temple meditating and listening to sermons. Refraining from consuming alcohol and meat of any sort is advocated and liquor shops and abattoirs remain closed for several days.
This is also the day that Buddhists will make an effort to bring a little bit of happiness into the lives of the less fortunate by distributing gifts of food and clothing among the destitute and to inmates of charitable homes. Food and refreshment is also distributed to those engaged in religious observances at temples.

Vesak in Sri Lanka while an important religious occasion is also a cultural festival of sorts as it highlights the Sri Lankan way of observing the festival. Homes, public places even whole streets are decorated with coloured electric lights, paper lanterns of all shapes and sizes, oil lamps, flags and bunting. In the bigger towns there is always a big ‘torana’ with pictures depicting Buddha’s various reincarnations lit up with elaborately designed electric circuitry. A carnival like atmosphere prevails. Adding to the buzz are free food stalls all over cities and main highways with offerings ranging from soft drinks to ice cream and complete meals. Groups of people from religious societies, businesses and government organizations sing devotional songs on stages put up for the purpose. During Vesak there is a massive movement of people all over the country as they go on pilgrimages particularly to the holy cities of Anuradhapura and Kandy and move from villages to cities to worship at famous temples and to generally be a part of the celebrations.

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