Vap Poya

What Is Vap Poya?

Vap Poya is a public holiday observed throughout Sri Lanka, occurring on the full moon day of the Vap lunar month in the Sinhalese Buddhist calendar. This typically falls during October or early November in the Gregorian calendar. As with all Poya days, it holds deep cultural significance for the Buddhist community in the country.

The primary importance of Vap Poya lies in marking the conclusion of the Vas period, which is a three-month rainy season retreat for Buddhist monks. Following this retreat, the annual Katina Cheevara Pooja (robe offering ceremony) commences, which is a major event in the Buddhist calendar.

Vap Poya also commemorates several historical events central to the Buddhist tradition in Sri Lanka. These include the invitation extended by the Maha Sangha to King Devanampiya Tissa to visit India and the establishment of the Bhikkhuni Sasana (Order of Nuns) in the country.

History and Origins of Vap Poya

The origins of Vap Poya are rooted in the early history of Buddhism and its establishment in Sri Lanka. The most prominent historical association is the conclusion of the Vas retreat, also known as the “Rainy Retreat” or “Monsoon Retreat.” This practice began during the time of the Buddha, who instructed his disciples to refrain from travelling during the monsoon season to avoid harming crops, insects, and other small life forms, and to focus on meditation and study.

In Sri Lanka, the Vas period traditionally starts on Esala Poya (July) and concludes on Vap Poya. During these three months, monks reside primarily within their monasteries, dedicating their time to intensive study, meditation, and preaching. The conclusion of Vas on Vap Poya paves the way for the Katina Cheevara Pooja, where lay devotees organise to offer new robes and other requisites to the monks who have completed the retreat.

Additionally, Vap Poya commemorates the pivotal moment when the Maha Sangha (Buddhist clergy) extended an invitation to King Devanampiya Tissa of Sri Lanka to visit Emperor Asoka in India. This event further cemented the strong ties between the two nations regarding Buddhist propagation. Another significant event remembered on Vap Poya is the establishment of the Bhikkhuni Sasana (Order of Nuns) in Sri Lanka, initiated by Sanghamitta Theri, daughter of Emperor Asoka. This marked a crucial development for female renunciants in the country.

How Vap Poya Is Celebrated

Vap Poya is observed with devotion and religious fervour across Sri Lanka. As it is a public holiday, government offices, banks, and most private businesses are closed. The sale of alcohol and meat is prohibited on this day, reflecting the Buddhist precepts of non-harming.

Devout Buddhists typically begin their day by visiting the local temple or Vihara. They often wear white clothing, symbolising purity, and participate in religious ceremonies such as Dhamma sermons, meditation sessions, and offerings of flowers, incense, and lamps. Many laypeople observe Sil, which involves adhering to the Eight Precepts, including abstinence from food after midday, dancing, singing, and beautification.

The period immediately following Vap Poya marks the beginning of the Katina Cheevara Pooja. This is one of the most important annual rituals, where lay devotees collectively offer new robes (Katina cheevaras) to the monks who have successfully completed the Vas retreat. These ceremonies are elaborate, often involving colourful processions, known as Katina Peraheras, carrying the robes and other offerings to the temple. The act of offering Katina robes is considered to be highly meritorious. Throughout the month following Vap Poya, known as the Katina Masa, numerous such ceremonies take place across the island.

When Is Vap Poya?

Vap Poya is a movable observance as it is determined by the lunar calendar. It falls on the full moon day of the Vap month in the Sinhalese Buddhist calendar. This corresponds to the full moon day in October or occasionally early November in the Gregorian calendar.

Like all Poya days, Vap Poya is designated as a public holiday in Sri Lanka. The exact date varies each year due to the difference between the lunar and Gregorian calendar systems. Therefore, the specific date for Vap Poya needs to be consulted on an annual calendar.

Vap Poya Key Facts