Sri Lanka Calendar 2024 Poya Days
Sri Lanka Calendar 2024 Poya Days
As a Sri Lankan, I have always been fascinated by our rich cultural heritage and the various festivals and events that take place throughout the year. One such event that holds special significance for us is the Poya Day, which is celebrated every full moon day in the Buddhist calendar. In this article, I will take you through the Sri Lanka Calendar 2024 Poya Days and the various events and festivals that take place during this time.
What are Poya days?
Poya days are significant dates in the Buddhist calendar that mark the full moon day of each month. It is a time when Buddhists around the world observe the teachings of the Buddha and engage in spiritual practices such as meditation, chanting, and offering alms to the monks. In Sri Lanka, Poya days are declared as public holidays, and many devotees visit temples to pay homage to the Buddha and participate in religious rituals.
Sri Lanka Calendar 2024 Poya Days
The Sri Lanka Calendar 2024 Poya Days consist of twelve full moon days, each with its own significance and importance. Here is a list of the Poya Days and the events that take place during this time:
- Duruthu Poya (14th January) – This Poya Day marks the first visit of the Buddha to Sri Lanka. Many temples hold special ceremonies and processions to commemorate this event.
- Navam Poya (12th February) – This Poya Day marks the occasion when the Buddha delivered his first sermon. Many Buddhists engage in meditation and listen to discourses during this time.
- Medin Poya (13th March) – This Poya Day marks the end of the rainy season retreat for Buddhist monks. Many temples hold special ceremonies to mark this occasion.
- Bak Poya (11th April) – This Poya Day marks the second visit of the Buddha to Sri Lanka. Many temples hold special processions and ceremonies to commemorate this event.
- Vesak Poya (10th May) – This Poya Day is the most significant in the Buddhist calendar as it marks the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of the Buddha. Many colorful lanterns and decorations are displayed, and many Buddhists engage in religious activities.
- Poson Poya (9th June) – This Poya Day marks the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka. Many temples hold special ceremonies and processions to commemorate this event.
- Esala Poya (8th July) – This Poya Day marks the beginning of the annual perahera procession in the city of Kandy. Many devotees flock to the city to witness this spectacular event.
- Nikini Poya (6th August) – This Poya Day marks the victory of the King Dutugemunu over the Tamil King Elara. Many temples hold special ceremonies and processions to commemorate this event.
- Binara Poya (5th September) – This Poya Day marks the occasion when the Buddha visited his father and other relatives in heaven. Many Buddhists engage in meditation and listen to discourses during this time.
- Adhi Vap Full Moon Poya (4th October) – This Poya Day marks the beginning of the Vap season, which is the time when Buddhist monks are allowed to travel and preach. Many temples hold special ceremonies to mark this occasion.
- Il Full Moon Poya (3rd November) – This Poya Day marks the occasion when the Buddha visited the heavenly abode of his mother. Many Buddhists engage in meditation and listen to discourses during this time.
- Unduvap Full Moon Poya (3rd December) – This Poya Day marks the arrival of the Bo sapling in Sri Lanka. Many temples hold special ceremonies and processions to commemorate this event.
Events and Festivals during Poya Days
The Sri Lanka Calendar 2024 Poya Days are not only significant for their spiritual significance, but they are also a time for celebration and festivities. Many temples and cities hold special events and festivals during this time, and here are some of the most popular ones:
- Kandy Esala Perahera – This is the most famous festival that takes place during the Esala Poya Day in the city of Kandy. It is a ten-day long procession that involves many elephants, dancers, and musicians.
- Vesak Lantern Competitions – During the Vesak Poya Day, many cities in Sri Lanka hold lantern competitions where people create beautiful and colorful lanterns to display in public places.
- Poson Festival – This festival takes place during the Poson Poya Day and involves many cultural activities such as music, dance, and drama performances.
- Bak Full Moon Poya Day Procession – Many temples in Sri Lanka hold special processions during the Bak Poya Day to commemorate the second visit of the Buddha to Sri Lanka.
Question and Answer section
What is the significance of Poya Days in Sri Lanka?
Poya days are significant dates in the Buddhist calendar that mark the full moon day of each month. It is a time when Buddhists around the world observe the teachings of the Buddha and engage in spiritual practices such as meditation, chanting, and offering alms to the monks. In Sri Lanka, Poya days are declared as public holidays, and many devotees visit temples to pay homage to the Buddha and participate in religious rituals.
What is the Esala Perahera?
The Esala Perahera is a ten-day long procession that takes place during the Esala Poya Day in the city of Kandy. It involves many elephants, dancers, and musicians, and is considered to be the most famous festival in Sri Lanka.
What are some of the popular festivals that take place during the Poya Days?
Some of the popular festivals that take place during the Poya Days in Sri Lanka include the Kandy Esala Perahera, Vesak Lantern Competitions, Poson Festival, and Bak Full Moon Poya Day Procession.
Conclusion
The Sri Lanka Calendar 2024 Poya Days are a time of great significance for Buddhists around the world, and especially for those in Sri Lanka. It is a time for spiritual practices, cultural celebrations, and coming together as a community. I hope this article has provided you with a deeper understanding of Poya Days and the various events and festivals that take place during this time.