Poson Poya · Poson

Culture of origin: Buddhist · Cultural

Holiday sources: Buddhism

Poson celebrates the coming of Buddhism to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BCE, traditionally 236 BCE, when the monk Mahinda preached to King Devanampiya Tissa. Its centre is the monastic complex on the mountain of Mihintale, and Anuradhapura, among the island's first Buddhist cities. Pilgrims dressed in white worship at the holy sites, and communities across the island set up dansals, free food stalls.