Forging a New Path - Poson Festival
Poson month marks the anniversary of the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka in the royal era in the 3rd century BCE by the royal missionary monk Mahinda on the day of the full moon. The first ever Buddhist sermon in the country is said to have been preached by Mahinda to Devanampiyatissa, the king of Sri Lanka at the time, on the rocky outcrop of the Mihintale hill.
For Buddhists in Sri Lanka Poson is as important as Vesak, the birth day of the Buddha and is commemorated as fervently. Religious activities during Poson are centered around the towns of Anuradhapura and Mihintale, the key places to have been associated with the introduction and spread of Buddhism in the country. Large crowds of devotees converge to visit the eight places of worship in Anuradhapura to attend religious services and perform meritorious actions such as lighting clay oil lamps, offering flowers and incense at places of worship and walking in religious processions. The stupas in the area are painted white and illuminated. Long lines of white clad devotees and orange robed Buddhist monks climb the 1,840 steps up to the rocky outcrop on the Mihintale hill, the place where the first Buddhist sermon is said to have been preached. Devotees also visit the stupa built on Mihintale hill and the ruins of the monastery that was once there.
Traditional activities that take place during Poson all over the country include large scale religious observances organized by several temples, veneration of the Bodhi tree in many small ceremonies, and singing of devotional songs. Homes, offices and public places are decorated with strings of colored light bulbs, candlelit paper lanterns or earthen coconut oil lamps. During this period as during Vesak temporary shacks covered generally in white cloth called Dansalas proliferate by the roadside offering free food and drink to the public. The Dansalas are funded through collections made from shopkeepers and the public in the vicinity as well as Buddhist societies. During Poson the impact of Buddhism on the everyday lives of the people of the country becomes very evident.
Escape to nature, that's what has been showcased at Jetwing Vil Uyana set in a tropical wetland amidst farming country in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka. Guests are offered an opportunity to experience a unique style of living beginning with tastefully designed spacious dwellings drawing on the rustic ambience of the area and blending with the landscape, yet with modern amenities and facilities. Enjoy total relaxation and privacy and unwind in the informal atmosphere and do things at your own pace. This extraordinary Sigiriya hotel enables guests to experience different Sri Lankan ecosystems all in one place with the added benefit of having wildlife practically on the doorstep. Excellent food and drink choices, unobtrusive service and the amazing atmosphere created by its design and layout makes this one of the exceptional Sri Lanka hotels with many firsts to its credit.
For Buddhists in Sri Lanka Poson is as important as Vesak, the birth day of the Buddha and is commemorated as fervently. Religious activities during Poson are centered around the towns of Anuradhapura and Mihintale, the key places to have been associated with the introduction and spread of Buddhism in the country. Large crowds of devotees converge to visit the eight places of worship in Anuradhapura to attend religious services and perform meritorious actions such as lighting clay oil lamps, offering flowers and incense at places of worship and walking in religious processions. The stupas in the area are painted white and illuminated. Long lines of white clad devotees and orange robed Buddhist monks climb the 1,840 steps up to the rocky outcrop on the Mihintale hill, the place where the first Buddhist sermon is said to have been preached. Devotees also visit the stupa built on Mihintale hill and the ruins of the monastery that was once there.
Traditional activities that take place during Poson all over the country include large scale religious observances organized by several temples, veneration of the Bodhi tree in many small ceremonies, and singing of devotional songs. Homes, offices and public places are decorated with strings of colored light bulbs, candlelit paper lanterns or earthen coconut oil lamps. During this period as during Vesak temporary shacks covered generally in white cloth called Dansalas proliferate by the roadside offering free food and drink to the public. The Dansalas are funded through collections made from shopkeepers and the public in the vicinity as well as Buddhist societies. During Poson the impact of Buddhism on the everyday lives of the people of the country becomes very evident.
Escape to nature, that's what has been showcased at Jetwing Vil Uyana set in a tropical wetland amidst farming country in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka. Guests are offered an opportunity to experience a unique style of living beginning with tastefully designed spacious dwellings drawing on the rustic ambience of the area and blending with the landscape, yet with modern amenities and facilities. Enjoy total relaxation and privacy and unwind in the informal atmosphere and do things at your own pace. This extraordinary Sigiriya hotel enables guests to experience different Sri Lankan ecosystems all in one place with the added benefit of having wildlife practically on the doorstep. Excellent food and drink choices, unobtrusive service and the amazing atmosphere created by its design and layout makes this one of the exceptional Sri Lanka hotels with many firsts to its credit.