Poson Festival Marks the Birth of Buddhism in Sri Lanka

Marking the birth of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, Poson poya day is a much celebrated event and dates back to 3rd Century BC when king Devanampiyatissa was converted to Buddhism by Arahat Maha Mahinda, the son of King Asoka, the Emperor of India, after which Buddhism was declared the State religion. This year the Festival will be celebrated on June 23.

The entire country celebrates this significant milestone, but it all culminates at Mihintale, known as the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, for it is believed that the conversion took place there. In fact, it is in the Ambasthale Dagoba, the temple in Mihintale, accessible by 1840 steps, where it is believed that the historic encounter took place.

On Poson poya day, many devotees make their way to temple to spend reflective hours in meditation while there are also several sil campaigns, Dan Sal, Poson devotional songs and pandols among others.