Poson Poya
The Arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka
Poson Poya marks the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka by Arahat Mahinda over 2,300 years ago. Celebrated with devotion across the island, Mihintale—the sacred hill where Buddhism was first preached—becomes the heart of the festivities. Temples are filled with devotees, almsgivings (Dansal) offer free food, and the island glows with lanterns and religious ceremonies. A day of peace, gratitude, and spiritual enlightenment. 🙏✨ #PosonPoya #BuddhismInSriLanka #SacredSriLanka
📍 Where: Across Sri Lanka (Most prominent in Anuradhapura & Mihintale)
📅 When: Full Moon Day of June
🎉 Significance: Commemorates the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka by Arahant Mahinda Thero
🌿 What is Poson Poya?
Poson Poya is the second most important Buddhist festival in Sri Lanka, after Vesak. It marks the day when Arahant Mahinda, son of the great Emperor Ashoka of India, brought Buddhism to Sri Lanka in 3rd century BCE. This pivotal event shaped the country’s culture, traditions, and way of life for centuries to come.
📜 The Story of Poson – How Buddhism Arrived in Sri Lanka
🔹 King Devanampiyatissa, the ruler of Sri Lanka at the time, was on a hunting trip near Mihintale.
🔹 He encountered Arahant Mahinda Thero, who tested the king’s intelligence with a series of riddles.
🔹 Impressed by the teachings, the king embraced Buddhism, making it the island’s primary religion.
🔹 Monks were sent across the island, spreading the Dhamma (Buddha’s teachings) and establishing Buddhism in Sri Lanka
🔹 The first Buddhist monastery, Mahavihara, was built in Anuradhapura, becoming the center of Buddhist learning.
🌟 How is Poson Celebrated in Sri Lanka?
No New Year is complete without a delicious spread of traditional Sri Lankan delicacies:
🔸 Mihintale Pilgrimage
Thousands of devotees visit Mihintale, the sacred site where Arahant Mahinda met King Devanampiyatissa.
🔸 Sil Observance
Buddhists observe meditation, prayers, and Dhamma discussions in temples.
🔸 Bodhi Poojas
Special offerings and prayers are held at Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura.
🔸 Dansal (Free Food Stalls)
Generous devotees offer free meals, drinks, and sweets to everyone.
🔸 Poson Pandals & Lanterns
Beautifully decorated pandals and lanterns narrate Buddhist stories.
🔸 Dhamma Sermons & Buddhist Dramas
Teachings of the Buddha are shared through storytelling, music, and plays.
📍 Best Places to Experience Poson Poya in Sri Lanka
🏯 Mihintale – The birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka; thousands of devotees climb the Mihintale Rock Temple.
🌳 Anuradhapura – Home to the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree and ancient Buddhist temples.
🏛️ Colombo & Kandy – Cities light up with Poson-themed decorations, lanterns, and pandals.
🏞️ Other Buddhist Temples – Various religious sites across the country hold special prayers & sermons.
🏯 Mihintale
The birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka; thousands of devotees climb the Mihintale Rock Temple.
🌳 Anuradhapura
Home to the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree and ancient Buddhist temples.
🏛️ Colombo & Kandy
Cities light up with Poson-themed decorations, lanterns, and pandals.