Duruthu Full Moon Poya Day in Sri Lanka

Duruthu Full Moon Poya Day is a significant public and religious holiday in Sri Lanka, which falls on the first full moon of the calendar year, typically occurring in January. This day holds great historical and spiritual importance for Buddhists as it commemorates the first visit of the Buddha to Sri Lanka.

History

• Buddha's Visit: The day marks Lord Buddha's visit to Mahiyangana, an area in present-day Sri Lanka, on his quest to restore peace. It is believed that this was his first visit to the island, happening nine months after he attained enlightenment.
• Relic Stupa: According to legend, during this visit, Buddha subdued a conflict between two Naga clans and left behind a lock of his hair. The hair relic was enshrined in a stupa at Mahiyangana, which became the first stupa in Sri Lanka.

Traditions

• Religious Observances: Devout Buddhists observe Sil (practicing precepts) on this day by visiting temples for prayers and participating in religious activities such as meditation and listening to Dhamma talks.
• Almsgiving: Alms are given to monks at temples and special poojas (offerings) are made.
• Processions: In some areas, especially at the Mahiyangana temple, elaborate processions called peraheras take place which include traditional dance forms, decorated elephants, drummers, and other performers.

Activities on Duruthu Poya

• Temple Visits: Many people spend time at Buddhist temples engaging in various meritorious deeds such as observing the Eight Precepts.
• Dana (Charity): Offering food and necessities to monks and those in need is a common practice.
• Reflection: Individuals reflect on their lives and practice mindfulness through meditation or by attending sermons.

Duruthu Full Moon Poya Day encapsulates both historical reverence for Buddha's teachings and cultural expressions through rituals that have been preserved over centuries.