Happy Vesak to all my Buddhist friends!
Vesak, the full moon in May, is one of the most impressive, truly magical and beautiful celebrations I have EVER seen. It is an important spiritual celebration, rejoicing in the birth and enlightenment of Buddha, as well as making time for reflection on his death. Vesak is of religious significance for Buddhists all over the world, but in Sri Lanka it is what Christmas is to the West. People prepare for Vesak celebrations for a long time. Lanterns made from bamboo frames in different shapes and covered in colored tissue paper are hung inside every home. Complex and imaginative illuminated displays decorate the streets, making the night seem truly magical and as if illuminated by spiritual glow. I will have to dig out some of the amazing photos I have taken during the time I lived there and the Vesak celebration I was lucky to witness.
Colorful Vesak lanterns in the shape of lotus floating on lake water in Sri Lanka
There are also massive pandals or thoranas installed in public spaces, they attract massive crowds. These are large structures with picture panels elaborately decorated with colored electric bulbs that are lit in a sequence to form vibrant patterns. Pandals depict a story from the life of Buddha or his previous births and the relevant stories are recited through verse over megaphones.
