Vesak is the main Buddhist religious festival in Sri Lanka with people celebrating the triple anniversary of the Lord Buddha – his birth, his attaining of Enlightenment and his passing away into Nirvana.

Colorful bamboo-framed lanterns adorn the interior of homes and luminous displays decorate the streets of towns. Visit Fort, Bauddaloka Mawatha, around the Gangaramaya Temple, to catch this glowing spectacle in full glory.

Vesak also marks the first month of the Buddhist Calendar. This is a day spent in reflective prayer as people cease worldly pursuits and engage themselves in religious activities. Devoted Buddhists pray in temples from dawn until dusk. As the sun sets, devotees partake in processions and return to the temples in the evening to hear monks read stories from sacred texts.

Roadside stalls distribute free refreshments to passers-by. There are mime and street theatre performances, staged on tall platforms near temples in cities and towns throughout the country.