Vesak

is the main Buddhist religious festival in Sri Lanka that is on the full moon in May. Thus, Vesak is the first month of the Buddha Nirvana calendar. The Buddhists celebrate the triple anniversary of the important events in the life of the Buddha. His birth, his attaining of Enlightenment and his passing away into Nirvana. The day is expected to be spent in reflective prayer with a cessation of worldly pursuits and engagement in religious observances at temples and shrines. Streets are full of bright illuminations and constructs, and roadside stalls distribute free refreshments to passers-by.