Vesak is considered as both a religious and cultural festival in Sri Lanka. It is celebrated on the day of the full moon in May. This festival marks the birth, enlightenment and passing away into Nirvana of the Lord Buddha. 

vesak day is one of the biggest days of the year and is celebrated by Buddhists all over the world. Buddhists commemorate the important events that took place in the life of Lord Buddha on this day. First comes the birth of Siddhartha Gautama in Lumbini in Nepal which took place under the arbor of Sat trees where queen Mahamaya gave birth to him. The second event was Siddharta Gautam’s supreme attainment as the Buddha, the Enlightened One. The third event was Lord Buddha’s Parinibbana over 2500 years ago at Kusinagar. Apart from Sri Lanka, many Asian countries including India, Japan, Singapore and Taiwan 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 (Bakthi Gee), pandols (thoran) and lanterns.

But this year will be very different. The festival on May 7 and 8 will be mainly celebrated in homes after the curfew in high-risk districts was extended until May 11. Sri Lankan Buddhists are getting ready to celebrate the Vesak festival, which commemorates the birth, enlightenment and death of the Lord Buddha. Despite the curfew imposed due to the coronavirus pandemic. every Vesak religious activities are change. such as Sil campaigns, Bodhi Poojas, Dansalas (Freely giving foods, coffee, tea from people), Vesak devotional songs (Bakthi Gee), pandols (thoran) and lanterns Zone.

Sri Lanka Scouts Celebrating Vesak 2020 on a Digital Scale Vesak is a major Buddhist festival that is celebrated on two days of the Buddhist month of Vesakha. In light of COVID-19 pandemic: Govt cancels National Vesak Festival 2020. Secretary to the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Culture and Religious Affairs, Bandula Harischandra, says the Government has decided to suspend the staging of the National Vesak Festival this year, in light of the situation in the country. It’s one of the holiest and most treasured celebrations in Sri Lankan history. Commemorating the birth, enlightenment and death of Gautama Buddha. On Vesak day, Buddhists all over the world celebrate these significant events by going to the temple, observing Sil, and taking part in other religious and sacred activities. So what happened for Vesak 2020 Thursday, May 7 to 11!

Vesak Pandols (Thorana) - In Vesak Season in electrically lit Vesak pandols called thoranas are erected island wide at public places, being mostly sponsored by donors, religious societies and welfare groups. Each pandol illustrates a story from the 550 ‘Jathaka Katha’ or the 550 Past Life Stories of the Buddha. eg. Video link - https://youtu.be/UblbjJzKF0k

Vesak Lanterns -  called Vesak koodu are lit in most of the homes in Sri Lanka on Vesak poya day. eg. - 2020 Digital Vesak (3D) - වෙසක් පහන් කූඩු  Video link - https://youtu.be/Mc9uLb47Lso

Vesak Greetings - You could also send Vesak greetings to your loved ones in the form of an e-card. Simply fill in the recipient’s name, and email address followed by your own details, and type a message and you were done. eg. Video link https://youtu.be/llBGCHg0ee0

Vesak Day Program - Vesak Bana Wara - There were also a number of videos by Buddhist monks who spoke about reflections to think about for Vesak 2020. eg. Video link - https://youtu.be/42Q_QhYC8mg

The objective here was to light a virtual oil lamp at the user’s preferred location such as a home, school or workplace. Once the location is selected, you would be able to type a personalized message. The message would be posted either via your Facebook or Google login credentials so that others can see the message as well.

more on our FB - https://www.facebook.com/baladaksha.lk and https://www.facebook.com/ScoutingRadio-117109279696998/