Poya Day in Sri Lanka: why every full moon is considered a day of celebration
I am Alice, a tropical entrepreneur in love with Asia and my story can be found here.
I have been living in Sri Lanka since 2021 when, with Stefano, I dropped everything to leave in search of my island. Today, finally, I can say that I have found it. I live in Ahangama, a small village on the South Coast of Sri Lanka, with monkeys in the garden and peacocks flying over the rooftops. That's right: peacocks really do fly high--to the top of the very tall palm trees, where they go to spend the night. Did you not know that? Neither did I, and I hope this is just the first of the interesting things you'll find as you browse these pages.
If you are here it is because Sri Lanka is already in your mind so I will try to give you my advice and offer you a complete guide to plan a trip in the best way.
In Sri Lanka, every full moon day is a day of celebration and is called "Poya." These days are dedicated to important religious and cultural events and offer a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in Buddhist traditions. In this article I want to explain a little bit more about this fascinating monthly celebration.
What is the significance and how are Poya Days celebrated?
In Sri Lanka, Poya Day is a holiday held each month to commemorate the full moon in the Buddhist lunar calendar. The word "Poya" is derived from Sinhala and means "full moon." These days are sacred to Buddhists and serve to commemorate key events in Buddha's life.
Therefore, all full moon days in Sri Lanka are public holidays, which contributes to Sri Lanka's place in the top 10 countries with the most public holidays in the calendar year.
Sri Lanka ranked fourth in 2024, after Nepal, Myanmar and Iran, with a total of 25 public holidays. If you are curious to find out the full ranking you can elaborate here.
During Poya days, Buddhists visit temples to participate in religious ceremonies, listen to sermons, meditate and make offerings.
The sale and consumption of alcohol, meat and fish is prohibited. Fishing on full moon days is prohibited. Stores and public offices are closed, allowing everyone to participate in the celebrations.
The monthly Poya Day celebrations
Each Poya Day has a specific and unique meaning, associated with important events in the history of Buddhism. Here is an overview of the major monthly celebrations:
Duruthu Poya: the first full moon of January
This day marks Buddha's historic first visit to the island some 2,500 years ago.
History of the Duruthu Poya
Duruthu Poya is a crucial date in Sri Lanka's Buddhist calendar, as it commemorates the Buddha's visit to Mahiyanganaya in Uva province in the center of the country. This event took place about nine months after the Buddha attained Enlightenment.
According to ancient Sri Lankan texts, the purpose of the Buddha's visit was to end the conflicts between the island's two main tribes. During his stay, the Buddha delivered sermons for the tribes. After listening to his teachings, the tribes stopped fighting and began to respect each other. The local Sumana god Saman invited Buddha to leave his sacred footprint on the top of Mount Samanala. This footprint today is considered sacred not only in Buddhism but also in other religious traditions. In Hindu tradition, it is seen as the footprint of Shiva, while some Christians consider it the footprint of Adam. For this reason, the mountain is also known as "Adam's Peak."
Duruthu Poya marks the beginning of the three-month pilgrimage season to Adam's Peak, where devotees go to worship the Buddha's footprint.
Celebrations and festivities
The holiday is celebrated with various cultural and religious events. One of the main celebrations is the spectacular procession called "Perahera," held at Raja Maha Vihara, a Buddhist temple located in Kelaniya, near Colombo. The Perahera, which takes place on Poya day preceding the full moon, attracts thousands of spectators and features a variety of events including traditional dances, decorated elephant parades and other artistic performances.
In years with two full moons in January, the second day of Poya is called "Adhi Duruthu Poya" (Adhi means "extra" in Sinhala). In these years, Perahera is celebrated during the second full moon.
Navam Poya: the full moon of February
Navam Poya is a significant holiday in Sri Lanka, celebrated during the first full moon of February, although in some years it may fall in late January. This day holds special importance for Buddhists on the island because it marks the anniversary of the appointment of the main disciples and the first Buddhist council.
History of Navam Poya
The Navam Poya is dedicated to two crucial events in the history of Buddhism:
Appointment of leading disciples: This day commemorates the appointment of Sariputta and Moggallana as the two leading disciples of Gautama Buddha. Sariputta and Moggallana were among the Buddha's most revered disciples, and their designation reflects recognition of their wisdom and dedication to the Buddha's teachings.
The First Buddhist Council: Navam Poya also marks the first Buddhist council, held three months after the Buddha's death. This council was crucial for the preservation and codification of Buddhist teachings. During the council, the Vinaya (the fundamental code of ethics for Buddhist monks) was proclaimed based on the Buddha's teachings, thus ensuring the continuity and integrity of Buddhist doctrine.
Celebrations and festivities
One of the most spectacular celebrations is the Navam Perahera, a parade that began in 1979 at the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo.
Medin Poya: the full moon of March
This day commemorates Buddha's first visit to his father, King Suddodhana, after attaining complete enlightenment.
History of Medin Poya
In the seventh year after the Enlightenment, Buddha, accompanied by 20,000 monks, set out from Rajagahanuwara to visit Kapilawasthupura, his birthplace, in response to an invitation from his father, King Suddodhana. This visit represented the first meeting between the enlightened Buddha and his father.
King Suddodhana had sent Minister Kaludai to Veluwana Monastery in Rajagahanuwara to bring the Buddha home. Kaludai succeeded where nine other messengers had failed, converting to the Bhikkus Order after hearing the Buddha's sermons. Kaludai convinced the Buddha to visit his family in Kapilawasthupura, where his father, wife Yasodhara, son Rahula and other family members and friends were staying.
During Medin Poya's visit, the Buddha preached Dammah (teaching) to King Suddodhana, who reached the state of Sothapanna (the first stage of holiness) a few days before his death.
Celebrations and festivities
Buddhists go to temples with flowers and offerings to meditate and listen to the teachings of Dammah. As during all full moon days many businesses stop to allow citizens to participate in the celebrations. The faithful go to temples dressed in white to participate in religious ceremonies and listen to sermons, and devotees bring flowers and other gifts to the temples and spend time meditating.
Bak Poya: the full moon of April
This commemorative day marks the Buddha's second journey to Sri Lanka, which occurred in the fifth year after he attained Supreme Enlightenment.
History of Bak Poya
During the fifth year of his Supreme Enlightenment, the Buddha visited Sri Lanka again during the Bak Poya. This event is recounted in the Mahavamsa, one of the main historical chronicles of the island. The Buddha traveled to Nagadipa (now known as Nagadeepa and located in Jaffna district) to resolve a conflict between two factions of the Naga community and to bring peace to the territory.
King Mahodara and his grandson Chulodara, both from the Naga tribe, were in conflict over a throne richly decorated with gems, called Manipalaga. This throne had been given to Chulodara's mother by her father. When the conflict between the two rivals was about to escalate into battle, the Buddha intervened to mediate. Through his sermons, the Buddha was able to resolve the conflict between the two kings, thus bringing unity and peace. Despite the kings' offer to give him the precious throne as a token of gratitude, the Buddha politely refused the gift. The throne was returned to the Naga kings and later placed in the Rajayathana Stupa at the Nagadeepa Rajamaha Viharaya, an ancient Buddhist temple built on the site of the event.
Celebrations and festivities
During Bak Poya, Buddhists in Sri Lanka go to temples to reflect on the Buddha's teachings and to commemorate the historic event. Many devotees head to the Nagadeepa Rajamaha Viharaya temple to honor the site of the Buddha's second visit.
Vesak Poya: the full moon of May
Vesak Poya commemorates three significant events in the Buddha's life: his birth, his attainment of Enlightenment, and his Parinibbana (final passage), and is therefore considered the most important full moon of the year.
History of Vesak Poya
1. The Birth of the Buddha:
The first event celebrated during Vesak is the birth of Siddhartha Gautama, future Buddha, which occurred in Lumbini, Nepal. Queen Mahamaya, Siddhartha's mother, gave birth to the prince under a Sala tree. This day marks the beginning of the life of the Buddha, who would later transform the world with his teachings.
2. The Buddha's Enlightenment:
The second event is the attainment of enlightenment by Siddhartha, who became the Buddha, the "Awakened One." After years of spiritual quest and meditation, Siddhartha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India. This event is considered the culmination of his life and the turning point for humanity.
3. The Buddha's Parinibbana:
The third event commemorated is the Buddha's Parinibbana, his final passage from earthly life to Nirvana, which occurred in Kusinagar, about 2,500 years ago. This event marks the Buddha's complete liberation from suffering and the cycle of rebirth.
Celebrations and festivities
During Vesak, temples in Sri Lanka are crowded with worshippers who participate in religious ceremonies, offer flowers, light lamps and burn incense. Vesak day is marked by the act of "Dana," which is the donation of food and goods to monks and the needy. This gesture symbolizes sharing joy and peace with others. Throughout Vesak week, the sale of alcohol, meat and fish is generally prohibited, and slaughterhouses are closed.
Vesak lanterns, known as "Vesak koodu," are hung in homes and public places. Lighting the lanterns is an offering in memory of the Buddha and his message of Dhamma. Originally used clay oil lamps, today colored lanterns of different shapes are used. In some areas, contests are held for the most beautiful lantern. People exchange greeting cards, as we usually do for Christmas.
Poson Poya: the full moon of June
The second most significant full moon in Sri Lanka is Poson Poya, which commemorates the introduction of Buddhism to the island in the third century BCE. This day of great historical and religious significance marks the conversion of King Devanampiyatissa by Ācārya Mahinda, son of the Indian emperor Asoka.
History of Poson Poya
Poson Poya celebrates Ācārya Mahinda's visit to Sri Lanka over 2,000 years ago. Mahinda, sent by Emperor Asoka, came to Sri Lanka to spread the teachings of the Buddha. During this mission, he converted King Devanampiyatissa to Buddhism, thus starting the era of Buddhism on the island.
According to tradition, while King Devanampiyatissa was hunting, a miraculous deer approached him. Mahinda, in monastic robes, appeared with a glowing aura and attracted the king's attention. After captivating the king with his presence, Mahinda tested him to assess his understanding of the Dhamma and, recognizing his readiness to accept the teachings, began his preaching. The king's conversion marked the beginning of the spread of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, giving rise to a series of cultural and religious developments, such as the creation of scriptures, art, architecture, and rituals that have shaped Sri Lankan society.
Celebrations and festivities
The main places of celebration are Mihintale, the monastic complex where Mahinda preached his first sermon to the king, and Anuradhapura, the ancient capital. Devotees and pilgrims gather at these places, climbing the many steps of Mihintale and visiting the holy places. During Poson, many religious activities take place, including Sil campaigns, Bodhi Poojas (ceremonies at the Bodhi Tree), and Dansalas (free distribution of food and drink). Temples are decorated with lanterns and thorans, and streets and houses are adorned with colorful paper lanterns.
Devotees, dressed in white and without jewelry, visit temples to spend the day in meditation and listening to the Buddha's teachings. Donations of food and goods to monks and the needy are a key part of the celebrations, symbolizing sharing and compassion. "Thorans" are illuminated structures that tell stories of the Buddha's past lives, while lanterns, called"Poson koodu," are hung in homes and public places. The decorations and illuminations create a lively and colorful atmosphere.
Esala Poya: the full moon of July
This commemorative day is rich in historical and religious significance, marking crucial events in the Buddha's life and the spread of Buddhism.
History of Esala Poya
Esala Poya commemorates several crucial events in the Buddha's life and the spread of Buddhism. In particular:
1. The Buddha's first sermon: Esala Poya day marks the anniversary of the Buddha's first sermon, the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta ("The Wheel of Truth"). After attaining enlightenment, the Buddha went to Isipathana Deer Park (now known as Sarnath near Varanasi, India) to preach to five ascetics-Kondanna, Vappa, Bhaddiya, Mahanama and Assaji. This sermon introduced the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path. At the end of the sermon, Kondanna reached the first stage of holiness, and the other four ascetics became Arahat, marking the beginning of the Buddhist monastic community.
2. Prince Siddhartha's conception: Esala Poya is also the day of Siddhartha Gautama's conception in the womb of Queen Mahamaya. According to Buddhist texts, the queen had a prophetic dream in which a white elephant entered her womb, a sign of the birth of a great being. This dream was interpreted as the announcement of the birth of the future Buddha.
3. The Great Renunciation: Another significant event is Siddhartha's Great Renunciation, which occurred during an Esala Poya. At age 29, Siddhartha abandoned the palace and his life of luxury to seek a solution to universal suffering, a defining moment that led to his enlightenment.
4. The Beginning of the Foundation of Mahastupa: In the period after the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka, Esala Poya also marks the first ordination of a Sri Lankan, Prince Arittha, under the monk Arahant Mahinda. This day is associated with the founding of Mahastupa or Ruwanwelisaya, one of Sri Lanka's most famous dagobas, and its consecration by King Dutugemunu.
5. The visit to Tusita Heaven and the First Buddhist Council: The Buddha visited Tusita Heaven to teach the Abhidhamma to his deceased mother and the gods. In addition, the first Buddhist council, the Dharma Sangayana, was held during Esala Poya three months after the Buddha's death.
Celebrations and festivities
Esala Poya marks the beginning of the monkhood retreat, or "Vas," which is a period of meditation and study during the rainy season. Monks retreat to a specific place and receive support from lay people for the duration of the retreat. During Esala Poya, temples are decorated with lanterns and pandols (thoran) illustrating episodes from the Buddha's life and previous incarnations.
Nikini Poya: the full moon of August
Nikini Poya is the second Poya during the "Vas" season and marks the first Dhamma Sangayana (Monastic Community Council) of Buddhist monks. "Vas" is a period of about four months during which monks avoid outdoor activities and devote their time to intense spiritual practices.
Nikini Poya Story
The most significant event of the Nikini Poya is the first Dhamma Sangayana, held in Sattapanni Cave in Rajagahanuwara, three months after the Buddha's Parinirvana. During this council, the Buddha's senior disciples, under the chairmanship of Mahakassapa Thero, established norms and rules for the behavior of monks. This event also saw the attainment of Arahantship by Ananda Thero, the Buddha's principal disciple. Ananda, who was the Buddha's principal attendant, reached Nirvana just before this council, bringing the total number of participants to 500 monks.
Celebrations and festivities
In Sri Lanka, Nikini Poya is celebrated with visits to temples, offering flowers and participating in religious activities. The day has special significance as it marks the conclusion of the Kandy Esala Perahera with Day Perahera, a must-attend event for those who have the opportunity to witness it. This famous festival is a major cultural and religious event, culminating in an extraordinary and colorful procession. Unfortunately, however, this parade is also attended by elephants, often in chains, and in recent years the procession has been accompanied by controversy and calls to remove the elephants from this event, something we hope will be accessed soon.
Binara Poya: the full moon of September
During Binara Poya, Sri Lankan Buddhists commemorate the establishment of the Bhikkhuni Sasanaya (Bhikkhuni Sangha), or the Order of Buddhist Nuns. The first bhikkhuni ordained was Mahapajapati Gotami, the Buddha's stepmother.
History of Binara Poya
Mahapajapati Gotami was the younger sister of Queen Maha Maya, the Buddha's mother. The queen died a week after the Buddha's birth, and the prince was raised by Mahapajapati Gotami, who later married the Buddha's father, King Suddhodhana, thus becoming his stepmother. The "Vas" season continues during the month of Binara, so the bhikkhuni remain in their monasteries, engaged in meditation.
Celebrations and festivities
A highlight of the Binara Poya is the Perahara (procession) in Mahiyangana, a town located near the Mahaweli River in the Badulla district of Uva province. The Vedda people (the indigenous people of Sri Lanka) participate in the procession and perform their dances to celebrate the full moon... The Mahiyangana Stupa was built to mark the site of the Buddha's first visit to Sri Lanka.
Vap Poya: the full moon of October
Vap Poya is probably the third most important in Sri Lanka's Buddhist calendar. The first is Vesak Poya in May followed by Poson Poya in June. Vap Poya, marks the end of the three-month retreat of Buddhist monks known as the Vas rainy season. During Vap Poya, lay people offer Katina robes to Buddhist monks as an act of merit, thus seeking good karma.
History of Vap Poya
Vap Poya is significant because of the many historical events that occurred on this full moon day. Over 2,500 years ago in India, King Suddhodana discovered that his young son would one day become a great man, just as the royal astrologers predicted at his birth. As the Buddhist scriptures state, the event occurred during the Vap Magula (Plowing Festival), where the king was the first to plow the land and prepare the soil to receive the first batch of rice seeds. The king had brought his son and heir, Prince Siddhartha-the future Buddha-to witness the ceremony. While the king was busy plowing the land, Prince Siddhartha, who was five months old, disappeared. In panic, the king left the field and began searching for the prince. Prince Siddhartha was found in a grove, sitting cross-legged in a lotus pose, absorbed in deep meditation; with his body in a state of levitation. Moved by this extraordinary sight, King Suddhodana could not help but pay homage to his son.
Celebrations and festivities
During the Buddha's time, the rains began in early July and ended with the peak of Vap Poya. During this rainy period, called 'Wassana Kalo' in Pali, monks could not go to lay people for alms. Instead, the laity provided daily meals, a tradition that continues to this day despite changes in weather conditions. When monks emerge from their rainy retreat after Vap Poya, devotees focus on making offerings to them.
Today, the October monsoon rains mark the beginning of the main rice season by plowing the fields to sow the seeds of the nation's main diet-rice-and a special plowing ceremony called Vap Magula is held. Similar to the kings of old, the country's head of state ventures into the rice field and, together with the farmers, handles the plow to plow the land. At each turn, the land is ready to receive rice seeds, with the prospect of providing the nation's rice dish and livelihood for all its people.
The Poya: the full moon of November
Poya is the last Poya of the rainy season, marks the conclusion of the rainy retreat period and celebrates the Bodhisatta Maitriya's attainment of Vivarana (the assurance of becoming a Buddha) and the Buddha's commissioning of 60 disciples to spread his teachings.
History of The Poya
According to tradition, on this day the foundation stone was laid for the Thuparamaya, Sri Lanka's first stupa erected after the introduction of Buddhism many centuries ago in the locality of Anuradhapura.
Celebrations and festivities
To commemorate this event, many Sri Lankan Buddhists go to this very bell-shaped stupa in Anuradhapura to offer flowers and reflect on the Buddha's teachings.
Unduvap Poya: the full moon of December
Unduvap Poya celebrates the arrival of the Bodhi twig at Anuradhapura, brought by Emperor Ashoka's daughter Sangamitta Theri.
History of Unduvap Full Moon Poya
Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment by meditating under a Bodhi tree in Bihar, India. In the third century B.C., Sangamitta Theri brought a twig of this sacred tree to Sri Lanka, arriving on the very day of Unduvap Poya.
The branch was planted in 288 B.C. by King Devanampiya Tissa in Mahamevnāwa Park in Anuradhapura, where it continues to grow today. This tree is considered the oldest living tree planted by man in the world with a documented planting date.
Celebrations and festivities
Today, the tree is one of the most sacred relics for Sri Lankan Buddhists and is revered by Buddhists all over the world. Thousands of devotees travel to Anuradhapura on Unduvap Poya Day to pay homage to the sacred Bodhi tree and observe the five precepts in order to lead exemplary lives.
Anuradhapura, once the political and religious capital of Ceylon, thrived for 1,300 years before being abandoned after an invasion in 993 AD. The city, hidden for many years in dense jungle, is now accessible again with its splendid palaces, monasteries and monuments. It was included in UNESCO's list of world heritage sites in 1982.
For up-to-date prices and my tips for visiting Anuradhapura find an in-deptharticle on the 8 UNESCO sites in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka's Poya Days calendar for 2025
Jan. 13 (Monday) - Duruthu Poya
Feb. 12 (Wednesday) - Navam Poya
March 13 (Thursday) - Medin Poya
April 12 (Saturday) - Bak Poya
May 12 (Monday) - Vesa Poya
June 10 (Tuesday) - Poson Poya
July 10 (Thursday) - Esala Poya
August 8 (Friday) - Nikini Poya
September 7 (Sunday) - Binara Poya
Oct. 6 (Monday) - Vap Poya
Nov. 5 (Wednesday) - Ill Poya
Dec. 4 (Thursday) - Unduvap Poya
If there is a full moon day during your trip to Sri Lanka, I recommend going to a temple so you can attend the celebrations and observe a true moment of local life. Wear light colors and cover your shoulders and knees.
"Waiting for Poya Day"
As a "foreigner," one thing that has always made me smile a lot is how everything in Sri Lanka seems to depend on full moon days.
If you ask a Sinhalese person, "When will the rain end?" he will answer "after Poya Day." If you ask another when the monsoon will begin or the wind will cease, the answer will be "after Poya Day."
Whatever you ask a Sinhalese person-the answer will almost always be "after Poya Day."
It's kind of like the full moon day marks a turning point. If something has to change or if you're waiting for something, that thing will definitely happen after the next full moon day.... and maybe it's beautiful like that.
