Nation Observes Bak Full Moon Poya, Recalling Key Buddhist Events

Bak Full Moon Poya is being observed today, April 1st, across Sri Lanka, marking a day of profound religious significance for Buddhists. This sacred day commemorates several pivotal events in Buddhist history, most notably the Buddha's second visit to Sri Lanka. During this visit, the Buddha travelled to Nagadeepa to mediate a dispute between Naga kings Chulodara and Mahodara over a gem-studded throne. Additionally, it was on a Bak Poya day that Prince Siddhartha encountered the first of the four omens, an old man, which profoundly influenced his path to enlightenment. Temples island-wide are conducting special religious programs, with specific observances taking place at locations such as the Handala Purana Rajamaha Viharaya and the Attanagalla Rajamaha Viharaya.