Poson Poya next week is it second Vesak how to experience it as tourist
I just learned Poson is the second most important Buddhist festival commemorating the arrival of Buddhism to Sri Lanka via Mihintale Falls on the June full moon Are the alcohol restrictions same as Vesak Where is the best place to experience the lantern processions Mihintale Anuradhapura or Colombo and should I expect transport disruption
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5 Answers from travellers
Poson is huge in the north central province because Mihintale is where Arahat Mahinda met King Devanampiyatissa in 247 BC bringing Buddhism to the island Alcohol and meat restrictions are identical to Vesak Liquor stores closed full day public bars closed hotels can only serve via room minibar For the authentic experience base yourself in Anuradhapura 2 nights On Poson eve climb Mihintale at 0400 to be at the summit dagoba for sunrise puja thousands of white clad pilgrims chanting Walk between the Mihintale dagobas during the day Evening pandal lantern displays in Anuradhapura new town Buses and trains run on Poson but are jam packed book reserved seats ahead
Photography rules same as Vesak no flash inside dagobas no selfies with back to Buddha statues respect chanting silence
Dansal stalls (free food given by devotees) are extraordinary on Poson Try the saffron kiribath thambili (king coconut) and ulundu vade with no expectation of payment Just give blessings
Colombo Poson is less spectacular than Vesak fewer lantern frames but Pettah and Gangaramaya temple still light up Anuradhapura and Mihintale are where the magic is Plan to be there Poson eve to Poson night
Dress code at sacred Mihintale is strict white or modest light coloured clothes covering shoulders and knees No leather goods (belts or sandals) on the sacred ground store them at the entrance
Scam Watch: colombo
Driver claims the meter is broken and quotes an inflated flat rate. Common on arrival at airport or railway stations when tourists are tired and disoriented.
Drivers wearing official-looking uniforms claim to be "government-approved" and charge 3-5x normal rates. They may have fake badges or ID cards.
Women with babies approach asking you to buy milk powder at a nearby shop (not cash). The shop is run by accomplices and charges 5-10x normal price.
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