Poson, also known as Poson Poya, is an annual celebration Celebrated by Sri Lankan Buddhists to commemorate the introduction of Buddhism in Sri Lanka in the third century BCE. Poson is celebrated across the island, with the festival’s main rituals taking place in Anuradhapura and Mihintale.
This year’s Poson Festival will be held on June 21. It occurs on the full moon day of Poson, the seventh month in the Sinhalese calendar. The festival is dependent on natural events, and the date changes, however, it is most usually commemorated in June. It is a very religious festival commemorating the arrival of Buddhism to Sri Lanka. Buddhists commemorate the day by singing, dancing, and telling tales while giving free food and tea. In Sri Lanka, Poson Day ranks second only to Vesak.
History
Poson Festival commemorates the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka by a Buddhist monk named Arahat Mahinda around 236 BCE. One of the event’s focal points is a Buddhist monastery on the mountain Mihintale, where Mahinda converted the King of Sri Lanka. His commitment to Buddhism resulted in the establishment of several Buddhist shrines and study institutes across the city. It helped to establish an official relationship between Buddhism and Sri Lanka. The alliance aided the expansion of Buddhism on the island, but it also resulted in ethnic tensions and hostility, which erupted into a massive civil war in 1983. The fight lasted more than 20 years, with numerous losses on both sides.
Sri Lanka is claimed to have the earliest Buddhist culture. This religion, however, has experienced periods of decline, one of which was during Sri Lanka’s tenure as a British colony. Increased Christian missionary activity and British administration reduced the importance and influence of Buddhist monks and traditional academic institutions. Faithful restorationists strove to restore Buddhism to the island and oust the British.
Sri Lanka was declared independence in 1948, and in May 1957, the government staged a national celebration to honor Buddhism’s 2,500th anniversary. The religious passion that accompanied the event resulted in the establishment of new Buddhist institutions and centers of study, reintroducing Buddhism to the heart of the country. Poson Poya ceremonies revolve around Buddhist shrines in the highlands of Mihintale and Anuradhapura. During Poson, thousands of Sri Lankan pilgrims come to these sites. They wear white and worship in spiritual places.
When is Poson Festival
Poson Festival 2024: 21st of June
Poson Festival 2025: 10th of June
How Is Poson Festival Celebrated In SirLanka?
During the Poson festival, long lines of devotees clothed in white ascend the numerous stairs to the summit of Mihintale Hill. Several religious events are held, including Sil Campaigns and Bodhi Poojas at temples attended only by Buddhists. Dansal, which is put up with the goal of providing people with food and beverages, attracts participants from all religious and ethnic groups. In general, a Dansala is organized by a group of people or a person, and as a philanthropic deed, visitors are offered free meals such as rice and curry, sandwiches, boiling chickpeas, tea, coffee, and fruit juices. Poson includes several more ceremonies.
Buddhists sing devotional hymns everywhere, and Poson pandals, which are colorfully lighted drawings from the 550 Jataka Katha, or the Lord Buddha’s 550 former life tales, can be found in every city in the nation. These pandals are stunning views that sparkle at night, and visitors from all over the nation go to see them from late evening till beyond midnight.
Poson Festival Importance
Poson Festival is a festival of great piety and sanctity that focuses on the virtual compassion for all living creatures, it is also one of much color and gaiety, with streets, homes, and public places decorated with beautiful and finely decorated hand-made paper lanterns small and large, glittering with illuminations, and pandals depicting the various occurrences in the Buddha’s life or previous births. It allows us to recognize Buddhist monks and express gratitude for their teachings and effect on our community. It’s a rare chance to do so.
It teaches Buddhism: People learn about Buddhism during events such as the Poson Festival. Allows others to have a better understanding of their ideas.
It is a holy occurrence: A Poson pilgrimage is a holy event that many people attend. We like visiting historical locations that have spiritual value.
