Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate UN Vesak Day in Colombo on May 12.
“Vesak”, the Day of the Full Moon in the month of May, is the most sacred day to millions of Buddhists around the world.
The teachings of the Buddha, and his message of compassion and peace and goodwill have moved millions. Millions around the world follow the teachings of the Buddha and on the Day of Vesak commemorate the birth, the attainment of enlightenment and the passing away of the Buddha.
Vesak Day, also known as Buddha Poornima, is a traditional holiday commemorated by Sri Lanka’s majority Sinhala Buddhists.
This year’s celebration, with the theme ‘Buddhist teachings for social justice and sustainable world peace’, will be marked through a series of programmes from May 12-14, in which leaders from the region are expected to participate.
Day of Vesak Observances
Weekday | Date | Year | Name | Holiday Type |
Thu | May 27 | 2010 | Day of Vesak | United Nations observance |
Tue | May 17 | 2011 | Day of Vesak | United Nations observance |
Sun | May 6 | 2012 | Day of Vesak | United Nations observance |
Sat | May 25 | 2013 | Day of Vesak | United Nations observance |
Tue | May 13 | 2014 | Day of Vesak | United Nations observance |
Mon | Jun 1 | 2015 | Day of Vesak | United Nations observance |
Fri | May 20 | 2016 | Day of Vesak | United Nations observance |
Wed | May 10 | 2017 | Day of Vesak | United Nations observance |
Tue | May 29 | 2018 | Day of Vesak | United Nations observance |
Sun | May 19 | 2019 | Day of Vesak | United Nations observance |
Mr Modi will also hold meetings with the Sri Lankan leadership. The two countries are likely to finalise development cooperation agreements, besides discussing key issues, including the Palk Bay fisheries conflict.
This is Mr Modi’s second official visit to the island nation. In March 2015, he made the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Sri Lanka in nearly three decades.