Buddha Rashmi National Vesak Festival Gangaramaya 26,27,28,29,30 May 2026
The Buddha Rashmi National Vesak Festival 2026 will be held on 26,27,28,29,30 May at the Gangarama Temple, Presidential Secretariat and Prime Minister’s Office premises in Colombo.
Buddha Rashmi Vesak Festival 2026 at the Gangarama Temple presents a great opportunity to attract tourists and promote the country’s tourism industry.
On May 30, an observance of Sil will be organized at Gangarama Temple, along with various other programs such as decorating the Vesak region with flags, pennants, lanterns, and light bulbs, conducting flower processions, and displaying pandols and lanterns.
The Bakthi Geetha (devotional songs) recital will be held near the main stage of the Presidential Secretariat and the Gangarama Temple while Vesak Dhansal will also be held near the Gangarama Temple and the Presidential Secretariat.
Additionally, in line with the Buddha Rashmi Vesak Festival 2026, special attention has been given to conducting religious programs in government schools and state institutions.
The Buddha Rashmi Pooja, the National Vesak Festival will illuminate the region traditionally once again in commemoration of the Vesak Poya that falls in May. During this period the Gangaramaya Temple together with the Presidential Secretariat will facilitate the festival, transforming a precinct earmarked as the ‘Vesak Kalapaya’ for this principal Buddhist event of the Annual Calendar, signifying the Birth, Enlightenment and Parinibbana or Passing of Lord Buddha.
The Buddha Rashmi Pooja, a religious and cultural festival is a concept of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and will commence on Vesak Poya Day, with precedence to religious observances.
