Final Images

Vesak

Every year on the May full moon day Sri Lankan Buddhists celebrate Vesak in commemoration of the birth, nibbana, and parinibbana (final passing) of the Buddha.  The celebration of Vesak is characterized by almsgivings (danee), temple visits and observation of the eight precepts (sil gannawa), free food festivals (dansela), colorful lanterns (pahan kudu) and bright pandols(torana).  

During a typical week, the streets of Kandy that bustle with car and foot traffic throughout the day are deserted by about 7:30 pm.  I've heard stories that before the war there was a "night life" in Kandy, but nowadays, when the sun sets, people go home and stay home.  There are of course deviations from every norm, and Vesak (along with the August Perahera) provide the exceptions to the rule which says that at night the streets of Kandy are empty and quiet.  Between dusk and 11 pm on the 8th and 9th, the streets of Kandy were even more congested and lively than on a usual weekday (and that's saying something for a very crowded, vibrant city).  

The holiday, though rooted in Buddhist tradition, has developed into a cultural celebration featuring bright, colorful lanterns.  In Kandy, the glow produced by the lanterns (both ornate and mundane) set the hills and city ablaze with color and light.

These pictures don't do justice to the Vesak celebrations or decorations, so I recommend that Vesak be experienced in person!