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Embrace a journey of spirituality and serenity this Unduvap Full Moon Poya, which falls on December 7! This significant day marks the end of the rainy season in Sri Lanka and commemorates the arrival of Sangamitta Theri in Sri Lanka carrying the Bo Sapling. Historically, this day holds great importance in Buddhism and is celebrated with much fervor across the nation, with people observing Sil and engaging in meritorious deeds. This day magic of undiluted tranquility, the enlightening full moon, and the peaceful surroundings make it a day of true spiritual rejuvenation in the Buddhist calendar. So let's prepare ourselves to unwind, reflect, and soak in the radiant blessings of the Unduvap Full Moon Poya!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>3rd Century BC</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Arrival of Mahinda</div><div class='timeline-text'>Prince Mahinda, son of the Indian Emperor Ashoka, arrives in Sri Lanka, marking the beginning of Buddhism in the country.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>288 BC</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Sangamitta's Journey</div><div class='timeline-text'>Sangamitta Theri, sister of Mahinda, voyages to Sri Lanka, carrying the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree's sapling, a tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment. </div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1774</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Official Poya Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The British rulers make the Full Moon Poya day an official public and bank holiday.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1978</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Inclusion in Constitution</div><div class='timeline-text'>The importance of Poya is recognized in Sri Lanka's new constitution, articulating the freedom to have Poya as a day of observance.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Present Day</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Unduvap Full Moon Poya</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Unduvap Full Moon Poya annually commemorates Sangamitta Theri's arrival and the end of the rainy season in Sri Lanka, it is marked as a day of serenity, spirituality, and enlightenment.</div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Partake in a communal meal</h3><p class='facts-text'>Organize or participate in a communal meal, called a "Dana". It is an important part of Poya day observance, which invites people to come together and break bread in togetherness.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Engage in meditation</h3><p class='facts-text'>Plan a quiet time for reflection and meditation. This could be done alone or as part of a group, to appreciate the peace and serenity that the full moon brings.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Create mindfulness arts and crafts</h3><p class='facts-text'>Engage in some mindful arts and crafts linked to the Buddhist culture and day's importance. This could be through drawing, painting, or creating symbolic ornaments, acting as a creative outlet and means of celebration.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Visit a temple</h3><p class='facts-text'>Pay a visit to a local Buddhist temple to join in the prayers and offer alms or flowers. The temples are beautifully lit during Poya days, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and sanctity.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Invite for a storytelling session</h3><p class='facts-text'>Organize a storytelling session about the significance of Unduvap Full Moon Poya, discussing the history and traditions that surround it. This can help to expand understanding and appreciation for the day among all participants.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>A day for spiritual connection</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Unduvap Full Moon Poya is a day that allows individuals to connect with their spiritual side, to reflect upon themselves, and to deepen their understanding of Buddhism. It provides an opportunity to seek inner peace and tranquility, away from the hustle-bustle of daily life.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Promotes community bonding</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>This day encourages community gathering and promotes unity, be it through sharing a communal meal or engaging in group meditation sessions. Such actions foster relationships, creating a sense of belonging among individuals within the community.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Preserves tradition and culture</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Unduvap Full Moon Poya is a day to remember and celebrate the rich history and traditions associated with Buddhism. From storytelling sessions about the significance of this day to visiting temples and participating in the rituals and customs associated with it, this day allows people to engage with and preserve their cultural heritage.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Unduvap Full Moon Poya is a Day of Illumination</h3><p class='facts-content'>This day is referred to as “Poya” meaning “day of full moon” in Sinhalese, signaling the brightest night of the lunar month. This illumination symbolizes enlightenment in Buddhism, making the day even more significant.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Bo Sapling Importance</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Bo sapling brought to Sri Lanka by Sangamitta Theri is a part of the original Bodhi tree under which Gautama Buddha achieved enlightenment. It's considered the oldest recorded tree in the world cared for by humans, being over 2300 years old.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Unduvap Full Moon Poya Observance Impact on Animals</h3><p class='facts-content'>In adherence with the fundamental tenets of Buddhism, Sri Lankans abstain from killing any living beings on this day, leaving a noticeable increase in animals roaming freely.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Goddess Pattini is Venerated on Unduvap Full Moon Poya</h3><p class='facts-content'>Unique to Sri Lanka’s version of Buddhism, the goddess Pattini, a deity known to heal diseases and ensure good rains for a prosperous harvest, is honored during this spiritual day.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Buddhist Flag Raised on Unduvap Full Moon Poya</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Buddhist Flag, which signifies peace and compassion, is raised in many parts of Sri Lanka, on Unduvap Full Moon Poya. Its colors are said to be derived from the aura that emanated from Buddha when he achieved enlightenment.</p></div></div>
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