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Vesak Thoran: A Beacon of Light and Devotion-by Kalani-eLanka Vesak, also known as Buddha Purnima, is a significant festival in the Buddhist calendar. It marks the birth, enlightenment, and death (Parinirvana) of Gautama Buddha. Celebrated on the full moon day of the Vesak month (typically in April or May), Vesak is a time for reflection, meditation, and rejoicing in the teachings of the Buddha. One of the most visually stunning and culturally significant aspects of Vesak celebrations in Sri Lanka is the creation of Vesak Thoran, or Vesak pandals. The tradition of Vesak Thoran dates back to ancient times when Buddhists used various means to commemorate and spread the teachings of the Buddha. Thoran, large, illuminated structures often depicting scenes from the Jataka tales (stories of the Buddha’s previous lives), have become an integral part of Vesak celebrations in Sri Lanka. These intricate structures are a testament to the artistic ...