The festival of Wesak (festival of lights) is celebrated all over the island during the full moon poya days in May each year. The festival celebrates the Wesak is the celebration of Buddha's birth, enlightenment and, in some traditions, also his death. As the most important figure in Buddhism, his life is celebrated and revered. This year the Wesak celebrations will be held on the 19 and 20 May 2008.

 

 

There many activities that take place from poojas at temples in the island to pandols lining various intersections depicting jathaka (mythological tales) stories. Chanting and praying are an important part of the Wesak celebration. The streets are also embellished with colourful lanterns. There are many competitions and the capital city becomes even more colourful.

Many people organise facilities to distribute alms for those local travellers who take to the streets to capture the colourful sights of the festival, these places are called dansala’s.