Poya days and their significance

 

   Every lunar day in Sri Lanka is considered a Poya. It is very important for Buddhists and people celebrate this Poya day, which occurs once a month, with great devotion and festivity, based on important events related to the life of the Buddha and stories from Buddhist history.

1. Duruthu Poya (January)

*The Buddha's first visit to Sri Lanka.

*The extinguishment of the demonic plague.

2. Navam Poya (February)

*The Buddha gathered 1250 warrior disciples together

*Acceptance of the arahants Sariputta and Moggalludu as his disciples.

3. Madin (March)

*The Buddha's arrival in Rajagaha

*Meeting with King Suddhodana.

4 Bak (April)

*The Buddha's second visit to Sri Lanka.

5. Vesak Poya

*The Buddha's death anniversary

6. Poson Poya

*The arrival of Mahinda

7. Asela Poya 

The Buddha's first sermon.

8. Nikini Poya

The first Dharma Sangāyana was held.

9. Binara Poya

The beginning of the nuns' ordination.

10. Vap Poya

The beginning of the washing period.

11. Il Poya

The first group of Dharma messengers was sent out to spread the Dharma.

12. The arrival of the Sri Maha Bodhi in Sri Lanka with the arrival of the Venerable Sanghamitta Thera.