Sri Lanka is today observing Vesak Poya, the most sacred day in the Buddhist calendar, while observing the State Vesak Festival in Nuwara Eliya. The event commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of Gautama Buddha, and is being celebrated islandwide with deep spiritual devotion and vibrant public displays. 

Akashvani Correspondent reports that thousands of devotees have gathered in the hill town of Nuwara Eliya in Sri Lanka to join in the Vesak festival celebrations. Temples, streets, and homes have been adorned with colourful lanterns and pandals depicting scenes from the Buddha’s life.

Sri Lanka’s President Anura Kumara Dissanayake inaugurated the week-long Vesak festival on Saturday, marking the Buddhist Year 2569. As part of the celebrations, a commemorative stamp was issued and ‘Sri Sannas Patras’ were awarded to recognise historic religious sites. The government has declared May 10th to 16th as State Vesak week. As part of the celebrations, over 8,500 temporary stalls or dansals have been registered across the island, offering free meals and refreshments.