Vesak Poya 2025 at Ape Gama – A Sacred Celebration with Mahamevnawa Monks
Ape Gama (Our Village; අපේ ගම)
By Gayan Wimalasiri
On the sacred full moon day of May 2025, the tranquil setting of Ape Gama in Battaramulla was transformed into a spiritual haven as thousands gathered to celebrate Vesak Poya, under the serene guidance of the venerable monks of Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery.
This year’s programme was not only a vibrant display of Buddhist devotion and Sri Lankan culture, but also a deep spiritual journey that touched the hearts of all who attended. From sil observance and Dhamma sermons to lantern displays and alms-giving, every aspect of the event reflected the compassionate and peaceful message of the Buddha.
🌕 Why Vesak is Special
Vesak Poya commemorates the three most sacred events in the life of the Gautama Buddha:
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His Birth in Lumbini,
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His Enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya,
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And His Parinirvana in Kusinara.
This triple-blessed day is the most significant on the Buddhist calendar. Mahamevnawa monks, known for their commitment to authentic Dhamma practice and accessible teachings, guided this year's celebrations with spiritual clarity and joyful compassion.
🏡 Ape Gama – A Village of Light and Peace
The venue, Ape Gama, with its rustic charm and cultural authenticity, served as the perfect stage for the event. Surrounded by traditional village huts, lotus ponds, and moonlit trees, the environment inspired calm and reverence.
Visitors, both lay devotees and newcomers to Buddhism, were welcomed with warm smiles and heartfelt teachings from the resident and visiting monks of Mahamevnawa.
🌸 Programme Highlights
🕊️ Morning Sil Observance (උදෑසන සිල සමාදන් වීම)
The day began early, as hundreds of devotees observed the Eight Precepts (Ata Sil) and participated in a full day of mindfulness, meditation, and Dhamma reflection. Guided by Mahamevnawa monks, the observance was quiet, deeply peaceful, and profoundly inspiring.
📖 Dhamma Desana (Dhamma Teachings)
Throughout the day, Dhamma sermons were delivered on the life and teachings of the Buddha. These discourses, spoken in both Sinhala and English, focused on mindfulness, compassion, karma, and the Four Noble Truths — central teachings for any practicing Buddhist.
The monks from Mahamevnawa are well-known for their ability to explain complex Dhamma in a clear, accessible, and heart-opening way, and they touched many lives through these teachings.
🪷 Meditation Sessions
Attendees had the rare opportunity to participate in guided meditation sessions, focusing on loving-kindness (Metta), mindfulness of breathing (Anapanasati), and insight (Vipassana). These sessions were held in shaded areas of the garden under the guidance of senior monks.
🏮 Vesak Lantern Exhibition
As dusk approached, the entire grounds came alive with light. Devotees and volunteers had crafted hundreds of beautiful Vesak lanterns (koodu) — each representing a moment of devotion, with many designed around Jataka tales and the life events of the Buddha.
Eco-friendly materials were used in the lanterns, aligning with the Mahamevnawa philosophy of living harmoniously with nature.
🍚 Dansal – Free Almsgiving
True to the Vesak spirit of generosity, food and drink stalls (dansal) served all visitors with love and humility. Devotees offered rice & curry, herbal drinks, sweetmeats, and ice cream, all prepared with care and offered freely to all.
Mahamevnawa monks reminded visitors that offering food and kindness is an act of merit, and even the smallest offering done with a pure heart carries deep spiritual value.
🙏 Organized with Devotion and Discipline
The entire event was a testament to the spiritual discipline and compassionate leadership of the Mahamevnawa monastic community. With volunteers, youth groups, and lay devotees assisting the monks, every moment — from setting up lanterns to maintaining silence during sermons — was done with mindfulness.
Even the youngest attendees were seen bowing respectfully, lighting oil lamps, and helping serve food — a sign of how the Buddha’s teachings are still alive in the hearts of Sri Lankans.
✨ A Message of Peace for All
This year’s Vesak theme was: “Let Peace Begin in the Mind”. Mahamevnawa monks beautifully tied this message into every aspect of the programme — from teachings to offerings to silent meditation under the stars.
In a world full of distraction and conflict, this Vesak celebration offered a rare sanctuary of simplicity, silence, and spiritual truth.
📌 Planning to Attend Next Year?
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Location: Ape Gama, Battaramulla (near Diyatha Uyana)
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Parking: Ample space available + shuttles from nearby bus stands
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Dress code: Modest, white clothing recommended
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Timing: Events start early on Vesak Poya and continue through the evening
Tip: Arrive before sunset to witness the lighting of the lanterns — it’s a breathtaking moment.
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| Vesak Poya 2025 at Ape Gama |
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| Vesak Poya 2025 at Ape Gama |
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| Vesak Poya 2025 at Ape Gama |
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| Vesak Poya 2025 at Ape Gama |
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| Vesak Poya 2025 at Ape Gama |
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| Vesak Poya 2025 at Ape Gama |
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| Vesak Poya 2025 at Ape Gama |
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