THE WESAK FESTIVAL

               There are several religious festivals inSri Lanka. Among them wesak is regaded as the most important religious festivel. It is held on May everyyear. It makes three impotant events in the life of The Lord Buddha. They  are the Birth, the Enlightement and the passing away of the Lord Buddha.

                 Most of the people observe”Sil” onthis day. They engage in various religious activities too. They listen to sermons and other riligous talks. All these acts purfy their thoughts.

                Houses are decoretad with wesak lanterns and other decorations. They are also illuminated with coloured bulbs.

                Thousands of devotees go on pilgrimages to inportent religious places. Pandals are erected at public places.These pandals depict illusyrations from the “birth stories” of the Lord Buddha. They are illuminated with thousands of coloured bulbs.

               Wesak is a busy day for children. They make wesak lantern competitons too. Prizes are also offered to best creations.

              Dansals are origanized by the youth. They serve the tired devotees with refreshments. In the evenig all families go to villagetemple. The offer flowers and worship the Lord Buddha. They also burn joss sticks and light oil lamps.  their minds are filled with purified thoughts. Herds or battle that are taken to houses are freed  by ccrmin Buddist organizations. It is a great Meritorious deed. Liquorshops are closed on this day.

            Newspapers carry special supplements including articles on the importance of the wesak day. Sermons and other religious talks are telecast through all the channels of the T.V.People realise the value of leading a religious life on this day. They determine to give up all misdeed done by them. They realise the value of self-help too. May the people of different races and religions forget their differences and live happily in peace and harmony on this three-blessed wesak day!