Special Poya Days Chronicle
Duruthu Poya (January)
Event: Buddha’s first visit to Sri Lanka at Mahiyangana.
Meaning: Peaceful resolution with local tribes; origins of relic shrines.
Observances: Temple visits, sermons, offerings at Bodhi trees.
Madin Poya (March)
Event: Buddha’s first return to Kapilavatthu after enlightenment.
Meaning: Compassion within family and community; early ordinations.
Observances: Chanting, mindful family gatherings, alms.
Bak Poya (April)
Event: Buddha’s second visit to Sri Lanka; blessing sacred places.
Meaning: Continuity of guidance; deepening ties with the island.
Observances: Pilgrimage, offerings, community service.
Vesak Poya (May)
Event: Triple blessed day: Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and Parinibbāna.
Meaning: Impermanence, compassion, liberation; global Buddhist unity.
Observances: Lanterns, alms giving, meditation, Dhamma study.
Poson Poya (June)
Event: Arrival of Arahant Mahinda; King Devanampiyatissa’s conversion at Mihintale.
Meaning: Establishment of Buddhism in Sri Lanka; birth of a Buddhist culture.
Observances: Pilgrimage to Mihintale, dansal (free food), sermons.
Esala Poya (July)
Event: Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta delivered; Middle Way introduced.
Meaning: Foundation of Buddhist practice; the Eightfold Path.
Observances: Dhamma talks, Kandy Perahera traditions, meditation.
Nikini Poya (August)
Event: First Buddhist Council after Parinibbāna; recitation and preservation.
Meaning: Accuracy and continuity of the Dhamma.
Observances: Sutta study, communal recitation, reflection on truthfulness.
Binara Poya (September)
Event: Establishment of the Bhikkhunī Order by Mahāpajāpatī Gotamī.
Meaning: Inclusivity; women’s path to liberation.
Observances: Teachings on compassion, support for communities.
Vap Poya (October)
Event: Conclusion of the rains retreat (Vassa).
Meaning: Gratitude and generosity; renewal of communal bonds.
Observances: Kathina robe offerings, alms, merit sharing.
Ill Poya (November)
Event: Early ordinations (e.g., Prince Arittha) strengthening monastic lineage.
Meaning: Commitment to the path; building stable communities.
Observances: Temple service, sutta study, mindful living.
Unduvap Poya (December)
Event: Arrival of Sanghamittā Theri; planting of the Bodhi sapling in Anurādhapura.
Meaning: Continuity of wisdom; resilience across centuries.
Observances: Offerings at Bodhi trees, meditation, acts of generosity.