WWW Virtual Library - Sri Lanka
Vesak lanterns (Kudu)
Vesak
lanterns are lit in most of the homes in Sri Lanka on Vesak poya day. The
lighting signifies an offering to the memory of the Buddha who delivered the
message of Dhamma. In ancient times, people used their clay oil lamps for
illumination. When candles became popular, colourful lanterns were made in
different shapes and used to be lit with these new modes of illumination.
Vesak thoranas or pandols, with colourful pictures depicting the Buddha's life story and also his previous births became popular in cities and suburbs when electric jets were used to attract the attention of the devotees and sightseers who went to see them in the night.
While watching illuminated thoranas the recitation of Sinhala verses to the beat of the rabanas throughout the night became popular. This went on for a few days even after Vesak full moon poya day.