In 2025, the Binara full moon Poya day fall on the 7th of September. This Poya Day is significant for the Buddhists in Sri Lanka because of the following reasons.
Establishment of the Bhikkhuni Sangha (the order of Buddhist female monks)
Lord Buddha’s second mother, Queen Mahaprajapati Gotami, along with 500 other women in a group of monks, got the permission for the women to enter the ordination that happened on such a poya day. It was a groundbreaking moment for women’s role in religion, showing that women, just like men, could follow the path to enlightenment.
Lord Buddha’s hair relics were enshrined by Thapassa and Balluka traders in the “Girihadu Saye” in Trincomalee; construction took place on such a Poya Day.
Construction of “Seruwawilla Mangala Stupa” took place on this poya day, and Lord Buddha’s frontal bone was enshrined in it
The Mahiyangana Raja Maha Vihara Perahara is held on this Poya Day to pay homage to the Mahiyangana Stupa, which was built to commemorate the Buddha’s first visit to Sri Lanka. Indigenous Veddah people of Sri Lanka participate in this perahara, performing their traditional dances.
The “Vas Retreat” continues during the month of Binara. The Bikku’s maintain their secluded existence while engaging in acts of providing advice and guidance to devotees. “Cheewara-robs”, “Pindapatha-arms”, “Senasana-Shelter” and “Gilanapathya-medical care” were provided by the devotees during this period.
On this Binara Full Moon Poya Day, where such important religious events took place, people try to understand the four noble truths by engaging in thishiksha.
Written By: –
Rtr. Kirulee Kularathne
(Junior Blog Team Member 2025-26)
Edited By: –
Rtr. Munshifa Waseer
( Junior Blog Team Member 2025-26)
