Poson Full Moon Poya Day

This year Poson Full Moon Poya Day falls on June 3 and is celebrated in Sri Lanka as a highly important religious event. The day, also known as Poson Festival is in general celebrated in June. On this day, Buddhists commemorate the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka. Buddhists celebrate the day with Poson devotional songs, jataka stories, Poson Pandols and giving away food and beverages. Poson is second only in importance to Vesak in Sri Lanka. 

 

History of Vesak Full Moon Poya Day

 

In 236 BC. the Buddhist monk, Arhat Mahinda introduced Buddhism to Sri Lanka on the mountain Mihintale. There, King Devanampiyatissa listened to bana preached by Arhat Mahinda and embraced Buddhism. The conversion of King to Buddhism led to the construction of many Buddhist sites, temples and learning centers around the capital. 

 

The arrival of Arhat Mahinda not only marks the introduction of Buddhism but also the oldest Buddhist civilization, the cultural transition, customs and taboos that incorporated with Buddhism.