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Vesak
Blooming brilliant
Vesak commemorates the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha- which all happens one this same full-moon day in May most conveniently. The atmosphere is Halloween and a far-eastern Kite festival thrown together, since every child partakes in designing intricate paper lanterns which blaze in every street, shop and town. Road-side marquees supply meals and gaudy soft drinks to passers by, all hosted by local benefactors since it is meritorious to give food. The truly devout- sil-takers clad in white, wait at temples to obtain spiritual purity and observe the Buddhist precepts after a fast on Coriander and ginger tea.
Right on cue the violet-pink Vesak Orchid flowers profusely in low-country jungles during the month of May, long after the phantasmagoric white wedding-cake lanterns have been shredded by the breeze – a blazing reminder of the most colourful and exotic festival in the Buddhist calendar.
Poya days and Buddhist holidays are ‘dry’ days so visitors need to stock up on alcoholic drinks to avoid disappointment in public bars and restaurants.
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