Navam Full Moon Poya Day is one of the most significant dates that reserve a special
place on the Sri Lankan calendar as it is an important day for all followers of Buddhism. Being a predominantly Buddhist country, Sri Lankas culture and most of its traditions revolve around the teachings of Therawada Buddhism. After Gautama Buddha achieved the state of enlightenment known as Nirvana, the first Navam Full Moon Paya Day was the first day that all 1250 disciples who belonged to the Maha Sangha were brought together as one congregation. Here Gautama Buddha is said to have stressed the need for a set of moral principles which was needed to maintain discipline as the number of followers of Buddhism grew stronger. The appointment of Arahants Sariputta and Moggallyana as the two main disciples also happened on this day along with a number of other significant events.
Navam Perahera is the festive procession that takes place on the 14th and 15th of February which is a celebration of the Navam Full Moon Poya Day. This perahera (parade) attracts many visitors both local and foreign to the banks of Beira Lake which is near the Gangaramaya Temple. This highly organized procession starts from the temple and continues along the banks of Beira Lake. While the colorfully dressed magnificent elephants are the center of attention, hundreds of other performers of various energy levels participate in the parade making it a true spectacle.
Visitors who travel to Colombo to see this cultural ceremony will have the privilege of seeing dozens of traditional dancers moving to the catchy beats played by the drummers. More than a hundred elephants can be seen at this procession along with fire throwers, whip crackers and men walking on long wooden stilts. This festive occasion is not to be missed by visitors to Colombo as it offers a chance for you to take back some memorable photographs of Sri Lanka at its grandest.
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