Vesak Festival In Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is one of the most religious countries on the planet; this was confirmed

by a Gallup poll of various ethnic groups in the country which revealed that 99 percent of Sri Lankans believe that religion plays an important role in their lives. Most of the world's major religions are represented in this small island nation as a result of the influx of different ethnic groups at different points in the country's history. However, Buddhism is the majority religion and exists peacefully with other faiths such as Hinduism, Islam and Christianity.

Buddhism was brought to Sri Lanka by a monk known as Mahinda who was also the son of Indian Emperor Asoka, who is well known for his role in sending Buddhist emissaries to several regional countries. Following the arrival of the Buddhist monk in the 3rd century BC, Buddhism was adhered to by the royal family and several temple complexes were built including the world's tallest pagoda: The Jethawanramaya in Anuradhapura.

In the next two thousand years though the influence of royalty on Buddhism waned, the religion lived on among the ordinary folk of rural Sri Lanka. Despite successive invasions by colonials and their attempts to convert locals to Christianity, Buddhism survived and went through a renaissance in the late 19th century as a result of galvanizing the public and the clergy, with the support of foreigners who had converted to Buddhism.

For Buddhists the most sacred day on their calendar is Vesak which falls during the full moon in the month of May. This day is significant as it celebrates the birth, the enlightenment and the ultimate demise of Lord Buddha. The festival is mostly centred on the capital city of Colombo as lanterns line the streets and colourful displays that chronicle the life and times of the Buddha are illuminated in neon at various places of the city. Lantern competitions and the signing of devotional songs are seen in areas near the BMICH, the Lotus Pond theatre and Navam Mawatha which is close to the Gangaramaya Temple.

Tourists in Sri Lanka can use a Sri Lanka car rental company such as Malkey Rent A Car to get around the city during the festivals. This well established company also provides airport transfers Sri Lanka which makes getting to and from the airport quite easy.

by: Nelson

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