January 19
Duruthu:
Buddha first visit to Ceylon
at
Mahiyangana Stupa, which contains hair & collarbone relics.
February 17
Navam: At this day Buddha ordains
Sāriputta
and MahāMoggallāna
and later decides his Parinibbāna.
March 19
Medin: Buddha visits parents home
after Enlightenment, and ordains his son Rāhula,
& half brother Nanda.
April 17
Bak: Buddha's second visit to Ceylon, at Nagadipa close to Jaffna in the
5th year after his Enlightenment.
May 17 Wesak: This Sacred Day celebrates
the birth, Enlightenment, and
passing away of the Blessed Buddha
Gotama.
June 15
Poson:
Emperor
Asoka's son, the Arahat
Mahinda, introduces Buddhism to
Ceylon in the 3rd century B.C.
July 14
Esala:
Buddha preaches 1st Sermon:
Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta & performs the famous
Twin Miracle.
August 13
Nikini: Bhikkhus who
did not enter the yearly rains retreat (Vassa) at Esala Poya, are allowed
to enter now.
September 11 Binara:
Start of Bhikkhuni
Sangha by the ordination of
Queen Mahāpajāpatī; the Buddha's foster-mother.
October 11
Vap: Marks the
end of the Bhikkhu's three
months rains retreat and begins Kathina month of giving robes.
November 10 Il: Celebrates the
Buddha
Gotama's
explanation of the next
Buddha
Metteyya
&
Breathing
Meditation.
December 10
Unduwap: Arrival
in Ceylon of a sapling of the
sacred
Bodhi-tree, brought by Arahat Theri
Sanghamitta.
