Bak Full Moon Poya Day
| Date | Type |
|---|---|
01 Apr 2026 Wednesday | BankPublicMercantile |
20 Apr 2027 Tuesday | BankPublicMercantile |
Overview
Bak Poya, in April, marks the Buddha's second recorded visit to Sri Lanka, made in the fifth year after his enlightenment. According to the Mahavamsa, the Buddha travelled to Nagadipa, in the north of the island near present-day Jaffna, to intervene in an escalating conflict between two Naga kings, an uncle and nephew, who were on the verge of battle over a magnificent gem-studded throne. The Buddha is said to have appeared in the sky performing miraculous feats that astonished both sides, then delivered a sermon on unity and harmony that persuaded the two kings to reconcile. In gratitude, the Naga kings offered the throne to the Buddha himself; having used it, the Buddha returned it to them, and it was later enshrined as a sacred relic in the Rajayathana stupa at Nagadipa Purana Vihara, the ancient temple that still marks the site today. Bak Poya often falls close to the Sinhala and Tamil New Year period in mid-April, making it a quieter, more reflective point before the island's biggest cultural festival.
Significance
According to the Mahavamsa, the Buddha travelled to Nagadipa (in the north, near modern Jaffna) to prevent a war between two Naga kings fighting over a jewelled throne, persuading them to share it peacefully instead.
How it's observed
As with all Poya days, expect alcohol sales suspended nationwide and reduced business hours at some shops. This Poya often falls close to the Sinhala and Tamil New Year period in mid-April.
See the Sri Lanka long weekends list or use the interactive holiday planner.