Vesak Lanterns in Sri Lanka – A Festival of Light and Devotion 🏮🌕
By Gayan Wimalasiri
Vesak—celebrated on the full moon day in May—is the most sacred day for Buddhists in Sri Lanka. It marks the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of Lord Buddha, and is honored with acts of kindness, prayer, and breathtaking displays of Vesak lanterns (Vesak koodu) that illuminate homes, temples, and streets across the country.
🌟 The Symbolism of Light in Buddhism
In Buddhist tradition, light symbolizes wisdom, purity, and the dispelling of darkness (ignorance). Vesak lanterns represent this spiritual light. Each lantern is not just a decoration—it is an offering of devotion and a reflection of inner peace and compassion.
🏮 Vesak Lanterns – From Simple to Spectacular
From humble paper lanterns hanging on household porches to elaborate, multi-tiered creations on public display, Vesak lanterns are crafted with love and artistic flair. Some common types include:
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Paper lanterns (Koodu) with colorful tissue and bamboo frames
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Rotating lanterns (Athapattama) that spin with the heat of a candle
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Large illuminated pandals (Thorana) depicting Jataka stories with lights and narration
🎨 Many of these are handmade by families, students, and community groups in the weeks leading up to Vesak, fostering unity and creativity.
🛕 Temples and Streets Dressed in Light
During Vesak, temples are beautifully decorated with glowing lanterns, lotus-shaped lamps, and oil lamps. The streets of Colombo, Kandy, Galle, and other cities come alive at night with public lantern exhibitions, giant pandals, and thousands of flickering lights.
🌃 Notable places to see stunning Vesak lantern displays:
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Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo
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Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo
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Kandy City Center and Temple of the Tooth area
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Galle Fort and Matara town streets
🎁 Sharing and Dana During Vesak
In addition to lantern displays, the spirit of Vesak is observed through acts of generosity (dana). Many communities set up Dansal stalls offering free food, drinks, and sweets to the public—an expression of compassion and unity.
👧🏽 Vesak for Children – A Joyful Tradition
Children participate by:
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Making their own lanterns at home or school
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Visiting lantern exhibitions with family
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Lighting oil lamps at temples
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Learning the values of kindness and mindfulness
These early experiences help nurture a deep appreciation for Buddhist teachings and Sri Lankan traditions.
📸 A Photographer’s Dream
Vesak is a feast for the eyes—and the camera. Whether you're capturing glowing lanterns reflecting on a temple lake or a family hanging their handmade lantern, Vesak offers countless opportunities for aesthetic, spiritual, and cultural photography.
✨ Final Thoughts
Vesak lanterns in Sri Lanka are more than beautiful lights—they are symbols of peace, wisdom, and devotion. As night falls and thousands of glowing lanterns light up the island, it’s a reminder that even in darkness, the light of compassion and understanding can shine through.
If you visit Sri Lanka during Vesak, don’t miss this enchanting and meaningful celebration of light.
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙒𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙐𝙨 ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
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