Poson Poya Day
Poson is one of the most important religious festivals in Sri Lanka. It is celebrated on the full moon day in June, which we call Poson Poya Day. Poson marks the day when Buddhism was first introduced to Sri Lanka more than 2,300 years ago. According to history, the Indian monk Arahath Mahinda Thero met King Devanampiyatissa at Mihintale and preached the first sermon of Buddhism.Every year, thousands of Buddhists travel to Mihintale and Anuradhapura to climb the Mihintale rock, visit temples, and offer flowers and light oil lamps. People also observe Sil, which means spending the day at the temple, meditating, and following the Eight Precepts.One of the most beautiful parts of Poson is the Dansal. These are free food stalls set up all over the country by kind people. Anyone, no matter their religion, can come and get free rice, ice cream, drinks, and other food. It shows the kindness and generosity of Sri Lankan people.At night, the whole country is decorated with colourful Poson lanterns called "Poson Kudu" and pandals that tell stories from the life of Lord Buddha. For me, Poson is not just a religious day, it is a day of peace, kindness, and togetherness for our whole country.
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