January 26
Duruthu: Buddha first visit to
Ceylon at
Mahiyangana Stupa, which contains hair & collarbone relics.
February 25
Navam: At this day Buddha
ordains
Sāriputta
and MahāMoggallāna
and later decides his
Parinibbāna.
March 26
Medin: Buddha visits parents
home after Enlightenment, and ordains his son
Rāhula,
& half brother Nanda.
April 25
Bak: Buddha's second visit to
Ceylon, at Nagadipa close to Jaffna in the 5th year after his Enlightenment.
May 24
Wesak: This
Sacred Day celebrates the birth,
Enlightenment, and passing away of the Blessed
Buddha
Gotama.
June 23
Poson: Emperor
Asoka's son, the Arahat
Mahinda, introduces Buddhism to
Ceylon in the 3rd century B.C.
July 22
Esala:
Buddha
preaches 1st Sermon:
Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta & performs the famous
Twin Miracle.
August 20
Nikini: Bhikkhus who did not
enter the yearly rains retreat (Vassa) at Esala Poya, are allowed to enter
now.
September 19 Binara:
Start of Bhikkhuni Sangha by the ordination of
Queen Mahāpajāpatī; the Buddha's foster-mother.
October 18
Vap: Marks the end of the Bhikkhu's
three months rains retreat and begins
Kathina month of giving robes.
November 17 Il:
Celebrates the
Buddha
Gotama's
explanation of the next
Buddha
Metteyya
&
Breathing
Meditation.
December 16
Unduwap: Arrival in Ceylon of
a sapling of the
sacred
Bodhi-tree, brought by Arahat Theri
Sanghamitta.
