Poson Poya festival

Sri Lanka recently celebrated the sacred Poson Poya festival on June 10th, commemorating the historic introduction of Buddhism to the island over two millennia ago. This full-moon Poya day holds immense historical and religious significance for Buddhists across Sri Lanka.

• Poson marks the pivotal 3rd century BC event when Arahat Mahinda, son of Emperor Ashoka of India, delivered the first sermon to King Devanampiyatissa. This momentous occasion, which led to the king’s conversion to Buddhism, took place at Mihintale, an ancient monastic complex.
• The main centers of celebration are Mihintale itself, where the royal missionary monk Mahinda preached, and Anuradhapura, the ancient capital. Large crowds of pilgrims converge on these sites for the festivities.
• The celebrations typically include mass religious observances, illuminations, and pageants. For Buddhists, Poson Poya is considered the second most important holy day, surpassed only by Vesak.