Introduction

Poson Poya Day, also known as Poson Full Moon Poya Day, is an important Buddhist holiday that is celebrated in Sri Lanka every year on the full moon day in the month of June. This day commemorates the arrival of Buddhism to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BC, through the efforts of Arahath Mahinda, the son of Emperor Ashoka of India. It is considered as one of the biggest religious festivals in the country and is celebrated with great pomp and show throughout the island.

History

The story of how Buddhism came to Sri Lanka starts with Emperor Ashoka of India, who converted to Buddhism after witnessing the horrors of war. He sent his son, Arahath Mahinda, to Sri Lanka to spread the teachings of the Buddha. On the full moon day of June, Arahath Mahinda arrived in Sri Lanka on Mount Mihintale, the capital of the kingdom at that time. King Devanampiyatissa, who was out hunting, met Arahath Mahinda and after a long conversation, he became the first Sri Lankan king to embrace Buddhism.

Celebrations

Poson Poya Day is celebrated with much enthusiasm and devotion throughout Sri Lanka. The day starts with an early morning puja (prayer) at temples, where devotees offer flowers, incense, and fruits to Lord Buddha. Many devotees also observe sil, which is a period of spiritual purification and abstinence.

Various religious and cultural activities take place throughout the day, such as parades, almsgiving, and cultural performances. People also visit temples to listen to sermons (dharma deshana). Many temples also organize special events such as pandols (decorated gates) and lantern displays, which attract a large number of locals and tourists alike.

Significance

Poson Poya Day is of great significance to Sri Lankan Buddhists as it marks the day when Buddhism was introduced to the country. It is a time for reflection and remembrance of the teachings of the Buddha, and it is believed that observing sil and performing religious acts on this day will bring about spiritual growth and enlightenment.

Furthermore, the festival also promotes harmony and unity among the diverse communities living in Sri Lanka. The celebrations of Poson Poya Day bring people from different backgrounds together in a spirit of joy and brotherhood, fostering a sense of cultural identity and national unity.

Sentences

• Poson Poya Day is a major religious festival in Sri Lanka, celebrated on the full moon day in June.
• It commemorates the arrival of Buddhism to Sri Lanka through the efforts of Arahath Mahinda in the 3rd century BC.
• King Devanampiyatissa of Sri Lanka was the first Sri Lankan king to embrace Buddhism after meeting Arahath Mahinda on the full moon day in June.
• Many religious and cultural activities take place on Poson Poya Day, such as parades, almsgiving, and cultural performances.
• The festival promotes unity and harmony among the diverse communities of Sri Lanka.

Poson Poya Day is a major religious festival in Sri Lanka, celebrated on the full moon day in June.

It commemorates the arrival of Buddhism to Sri Lanka through the efforts of Arahath Mahinda in the 3rd century BC.

King Devanampiyatissa of Sri Lanka was the first Sri Lankan king to embrace Buddhism after meeting Arahath Mahinda on the full moon day in June.

Many religious and cultural activities take place on Poson Poya Day, such as parades, almsgiving, and cultural performances.

The festival promotes unity and harmony among the diverse communities of Sri Lanka.

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