Festival of lights!

Vesak which is celebrated to commemorate the birth, enlightenment and passing away of the Buddha, is a day of great significance to Buddhists worldwide.  Sri Lanka where Buddhism is still preserved in its pristine purity observes this event with great fervour and devotion, especially since this year marks the 2600 Sambuddhatva Jayanthi. 

Pandols and Vesak lanterns adorn every part of the country in commemoration of the event.  Here, the Simamalakaya in the Beira Lake which is in close proximity to the Gangaramaya Temple is decorated with lights in a fitting

manner in keeping with the grandeur of the occasion - Pic by Upul Abayasekara