This year's State Vesak Festival named "Dakshina Prabha" in Matara

It has been decided to grandly hold the 2026 State Vesak Festival, named "Dakshina Prabha," centered in the Matara District, from May 27th to June 1st. This decision was made at a special discussion held recently at the Presidential Secretariat, and a series of religious programs including Dana (alms-giving), Seela (observance of precepts), and Bhavana (meditation) are planned, focusing on Vesak Full Moon Poya Day, which falls on May 30th.

The ancient temple of Midellawala in Thihagoda, Matara, has been chosen as the main center for this year's State Vesak Festival, and its preliminary organizational activities were discussed under the chairmanship of Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senewi, Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Sunil Handunnetti, Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development, and Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayaka, Secretary to the President.

This year's Vesak festival will be held under the theme "Abhittharetha Kalyane" (Hasten to do good), and the city of Matara, a significant landmark in the Buddhist renaissance, was chosen for its historical and academic value. A main objective here is to recall the noble message that the city of Matara, a sacred land that produced many great monks who illuminated the Sambuddha Sasana, conveyed to the nation through poetry and Dhamma scholarly service.

The "Dakshina Prabha" National Vesak Festival is divided into two zones: the Prathipaththi Pooja (Practice Offering) zone and the Amisha Pooja (Material Offering) zone. The Prathipaththi Pooja zone will be established centering around the historic Matara Fort Wall. The Amisha Pooja zone is planned to be created around Matara city and the Beach Park.

Within the Prathipaththi Pooja zone, there will be an exhibition of sacred relics, Dhamma discussions and Kavi Bana (sermons in verse) programs attended by eminent Dhamma preachers, and necessary arrangements have been made for Dana (alms-giving), Seela (observance of precepts), and Bhavana (meditation) programs for devotees.

To adorn the Amisha Pooja zone, giant pandals will be erected at the Matara Fort Wall and in the city center, and a creative Vesak lantern competition will be held at the Beach Park. At the beach near Pigeon Island, several devotional song concerts presented jointly by the Tri-Forces and the Police, and numerous puppet shows depicting traditional arts of the South, will be visible.

AI technology shows with Buddhist symbols created in the sky using modern technology, digital Jataka stories displayed on LED screens, and Buddhist films have been added as unique attractions of this year's festival. Furthermore, steps have been taken to showcase the local identity and Buddhist heritage to the world by presenting Jataka stories through the traditional puppet art unique to the South.

Vesak lantern and devotional song competitions will be held under school and open categories, and an expert judging panel has been appointed to select winners based on creativity. Necessary arrangements have been made to successfully conclude this national festival with the contribution of the state and private sectors, as well as all security forces, and a gathering including the Maha Sangha, public representatives, government officials, and the local business community participated in this event.