The Ehela trees laden with yellow gold blossoms herald the onset of the Vesak Festival, Buddhism most sacred event. Prince Sidhdhartha was born on a Vesak full moon day. He achieved supreme Enlightenment and attained Buddhahood on a Vesak full moon day. Finally his Great Demise occurred on a Vesak full moon day.Through the ages Vesak Festival was a religious festival with devotees spending the dawn of Vesak in and around temple and religious sites- observin ”sil” meditation, listening to sermons and contemplating life, thus paying homage to the Buddha. However social event for Vesak are also planned months ahead, each town, each village, getting together to treat visitors with meals and drinks. Large alms-halls (dansal) are erected and food is served daily morning and night with the participation of both young and old. The funds are collected from the people of area. As Charity plays a main role during Vesak the participation is spontaneous. This practice goes back to ancient times, when the kings decreed that the masses who come to the city to participate in religious and social events to be treated lavishly.
It is during night time pageantry of Vesak unfolds.Planing begins months ahead for the construction of large structure called ‘thorana’ or pandals. These are erected at pivotal palace reminiscent of ancient portals at the entrance to cities. The tall structure over 100ft. high display the affluence of its’ patron.Singing devotional songs in the style of carols is a recent activity adopted by private and public sector institutions and the banking sector to get their employees together to promote good will and harmony all round. There is a general camaraderie between people during Vesak and the outcome is amateur theatrical performed in village and smaller towns when traders, carpenters, tailor enact the roles. For a visitor to Sri Lanka during Vesak, the experience would be piety anf gaiety inter mingled with a atmosphere of extreme Love, Kindness and Compassion – the essence of Buddhism.
