Vesak Festival - Colombo

Taking place during the first full moon in the month of May (common years) or June (leap years), Vesak festival is the most important festival in Buddhism.

Commemorating Buddha’s birth, his attainment of enlightenment and his passing into Nirvana, Vesak is spent in thoughtful prayer and meditation, with a procession and Buddhist recitals taking place in the evening. Coloured lanterns are hung up in every home, illuminating the towns and cities, with street performances and free refreshments provided by the local roadside stalls. The centre of proceedings and the best place to see the festival take place in the main street in Colombo, Bhauddoloka Mawatha.