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The Significance of Poson Poya Day in Sri Lanka-by Kalani-eLanka Poson Poya Day, celebrated annually in June, is one of the most important Buddhist holidays in Sri Lanka. It commemorates the introduction of Buddhism to the island, an event that has profoundly shaped the nation’s culture, religion, and social structure. Here’s why Poson Poya Day holds such a special place in the hearts of Sri Lankans. The central significance of Poson Poya Day lies in its commemoration of the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. In 247 BCE, Arahant Mahinda, the son of the Indian Emperor Ashoka, traveled to Sri Lanka and introduced Buddhism to King Devanampiya Tissa. This event, which took place at Mihintale near Anuradhapura, is considered a pivotal moment in Sri Lankan history. The conversion of the king and his people to Buddhism marked the beginning of a new era for the island, influencing its spiritual and ...