Poson Full Moon Poya day, Today

COLOMBO (News 1st): Today, Sri Lanka will observe Poson Full Moon Poya Day, a deeply significant occasion for Buddhists across the island. 

Various religious observances have been organized across the country including in Mihintale and Atamasthana in Anuradhapura, for the Poson full moon poya day.

This year’s National Poson Festival will be held under full state patronage. 

The primary celebrations for the National Poson Festival will unfold at the historic Mihintale Raja Maha Viharaya. 

This year's National Poson Festival will be held under the theme “Let the world be enlightened by the teachings of the Buddha."

218 years after Lord Buddha attained Nirvana, the 3rd Buddhist council took place with Indian Emperor Dharmashoka providing state patronage.

As a result, Buddhism spread to 9 other countries.

Thereafter, in 236 BC on a day like today, during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa, Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka by Mihindu Maha Rahath Thero.

Chairman of the Poson Festival Committee and Anuradhapura District Secretary Ranjith Wimalasuriya, has affirmed that all necessary facilities have been arranged for the devotees arriving in Anuradhapura for the 2333rd National Poson Festival.

He added that an estimated 1.5 million devotees are expected to visit Anuradhapura this year. 

Wimalasuriya further requested the pilgrims to refrain from bringing polythene and plastic, and urged caution when bathing in reservoirs, which are currently filled to capacity.

Sri Lanka Police announced that a special security plan is in place for the safety of devotees, focusing primarily on Mihintale and the Atamasthana. Police officers have been deployed to manage traffic, security, and provide life-saving assistance.

Meanwhile, the Sirasa Namami Poson Zone, organized by Sirasa TV and Sirasa FM, is being held this year at the historic Kuragala Raja Maha Viharaya in Balangoda. 

The celebration features religious observances, devotional songs, lantern displays, digital pandals, and dansals for the devotees visiting the Sirasa Namami Poson Zone.

The Sirasa Namami Poya Day Programme is also being broadcast from Kuragala Raja Maha Viharaya. 

In addition, special religious events are being conducted at the Kuragala Raja Maha Viharaya to mark the 27th anniversary of Sirasa TV.

The Poson Zone at the Depanama Broadcasting Center in Pannipitiya is scheduled to begin today. 

This zone will include lantern displays, a replica of Mihintale, digital pandals, Buddhist documentaries, and Dansals.