The Vap Full Moon Poya Day, which holds a significant position in the Buddhist calendar, this year falls on October 6th. It is a day of both religious and historical significance, connected with many of the Buddha’s and Buddhist tradition’s most excellent events.
According to the royal astrologers of King Suddhodana, Prince Siddhartha was destined for greatness. At the great royal ploughing festival held on a Vap Full Moon Day, the young prince showed an extremely rare moment of meditation. This was a wonder to behold, and it touched the heart of the king, changing him forever in terms of respect for his son. The ploughing festival itself is a symbol of bestowing blessings on the land, since it inaugurates the period of sowing seeds and storing the nation’s grain silos.
Another important event related to Vap Poya is the Buddha’s descent from the Tavatiṃsa heavenly world, in which he taught the Dhamma for three months to Queen Maha Maya, the Divine Mother.
Equally important, Vap Poya also marks the conclusion of the monks’ Vassa retreat, a three-month rainy season period of solitude and contemplation. With the end of it, the noble tradition of the Katina Pinkama, Robe Offering Ceremony,begins. Lay adherents, having supported the Sangha throughout the rainy season with daily alms and necessities, now joyfully organize processions and bestow new robes upon the monks. This is one of the most meritorious gifts in Buddhism.
In the Buddha’s time, the Vassa retreat was begun in Esala, with its peak coming by Vap Poya. During the rainy season, monks did not go out for alms and relied on the alms of the laity. When the rest was over, the practice of offering robes arose, which gave rise to the great merit of the auspicious act of almsgiving.
Thus, Vap Poya is not an ordinary day in the calendar but a sacred moment of contemplation, charity, and spiritual growth. It invites Buddhists to live mindfully, observe religious rituals, and amass merit, reminding us that the Vap Full Moon must be observed with faith, piety, and a sensibility of duty.
Written By: –
Rtr. Chamodya Anushani
(Junior Blog Team Member 2025-26)
Design By: –
Rtr. Pasan Jithnuka
(Junior Blog Team Member 2025-26)
