Buddhists across Sri Lanka observed Nikini Full Moon Poya Day on Thursday (August 27), the second Poya of the four-month Vas season and a date tied to one of the formative events in Buddhist history.
What the day commemorates
Nikini Poya marks the First Dhamma Sangayana — the First Buddhist Council — convened three months after the Parinirvana of the Buddha under the leadership of Maha Kassapa Maha Arahath Thera, Hiru News reported. The council is regarded as the gathering at which the Buddha’s teachings were first formally recited and collated.
The day is also associated with the attainment of Arahantship by Ananda Thera, the Buddha’s chief attendant.
Nikini carries a second significance in monastic practice. Monks who were unable to enter the “Peravas”, or early rains retreat, on Esala Full Moon Poya observe “Pasuvas” — the later retreat — from this Poya instead. The Vas retreat itself began with Esala Poya on July 29.
Observances
The Somawathie Ancient Temple hosted a day-long religious programme broadcast by the Hiru Media Network, opening with a morning Dhamma sermon by Venerable Weliwita Soratha Thera. An “Ama Sisila” Dhamma discussion followed at 8.30 a.m. with Venerable Viharagama Sirinanda Thera and senior lecturer Senaratne Kariyawasam, a poetic Dhamma sermon at 11 a.m. by Venerable Matale Sumangala Thera, and a closing “Sithpahan Maluwa” dialogue featuring Venerable Medirigiriye Siddhartha Thera.
Poya days are public holidays in Sri Lanka, with the sale of alcohol restricted and devotees visiting temples to observe Sil and offer alms.
The Poya fell on the same day as the final Randoli Perahera of the Kandy Esala Perahera, with the festival’s concluding water-cutting ceremony set for the following morning.
