Wesak celebration 


 WESAK CELEBRATIONS Buddhism is the State Religion in Sri Lanka. The Buddhists belong to the major religious group in Sri Lanka. They celebrate Wesak in honour of Lord Buddha. He was born on a Wesak Poya day. He died on a Wesak Poya day and he also attained enlightenment on a Wesak Poya day. Therefore Wesak is a very sacred day to all Buddhists. On this day there are many religious competitions, such as oratorical competitions, quiz competitions and selecting the best Wesak lanterns and the best Bakthi Gee. Buddhists decorate their homes with Wesak lanterns, coloured lights and the Buddhist flag. Business places put up colourful Pandals depicting Jataka stories and stories from the Buddha's life. They also have puppet shows and dramas staged in the open air. It is a time when most of the Buddhists abstain from liquor and consuming flesh. They visit temples and Pansalas and listen to sermons and observe sil. They give dana to the poor. Many dansalas are set up all over the country to feed the poor. Thus Wesak is a very important day in Sri Lanka. The state takes great interest in making it a national event and almost all Sri Lankans join in it. Everyone loves going around looking at the illuminations, and decorations on Wesak Day.





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