Sitting in front of a peaceful statuette of Lord Buddha with an elegant flower basket that comprises hundreds of tiny white flowers is an eye-catching scenario that a Buddhist can relish. At the night, the colorful Vesak lanterns start dazzling with vibrant colours making all the calm minds squeal with delight and happiness. The huge flamboyant Vesak Pandals which elaborate tons of light beams while depicting the didactic “Jataka Stories” hastily attract all the busy minds in the cities for a moment.
It’s Vesak Full Moon Poya Day which transforms the Buddhists all over the world into more generous, kind, and compassionate as they are commemorating the most eclectic events of prince Siddhartha Gautama’s birth, enlightenment (Nibbana), and passing away (Parinirvana) of Lord Buddha on this unique day. Especially, Vesak Poya Day is more significant to Sri Lankans as Lord Buddha visited Kelaniya at the invitation of Maniakkhika Naga King on this sacred day.
The Buddhists are interested in arranging alms stalls (Vesak Dansal) by giving various kinds of foods and beverages to the people on this specific day demonstrating their generosity and compassion to the world obeying their religious doctrines.
“Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared” -Lord Buddha
Vesak lantern is an incredible portrayal that enhances the beauty of Vesak Day and making these lanterns is a beautiful family affair with parents and children getting involved together. As Sri Lanka is a multi-cultural country, there are some moments when we see people from other religions supporting Buddhists to decorate their streets with stunning lanterns and outdoor string lights. Most Buddhists obtain ‘Sil’ on this religious day and they don’t forget to accumulate a bunch of merits too.
Let’s make a vibrant paper lantern that sparkles with the flashes of light with the family members to bring happiness to everyone on this unique Vesak Full Moon Poya Day.
