Binara Full Moon Poya Day is one of the most significant Buddhist celebrations in Sri Lanka. It typically falls in September and marks the full moon day of the month of Binara in the traditional Sinhalese calendar. Religious activities are held in different parts of the country, from the mountainous central highlands to the coastal plains. Temples are decorated with traditional lanterns, vibrant flowers, and Coloured flags and numerous devotees observe Sil, a practice of upholding precepts throughout the day existing as a day exclusively for Buddhist religious observances.
The day commemorates the establishment of the Buddhist Bhikkhuni Order, or the order of female Buddhist monasticism. This came after the Buddha's stepmother, Queen Mahapajapati Gotami, and a group of women asked the Buddha to allow them to become Bhikkhunis, or female Buddhist monastics. The Buddha initially refused this request, but later accepted it, marking a pivotal moment in Buddhist history. The Sri Lankan Buddhist community celebrates Binara Full Moon Poya Day to honor these pioneering women and the Buddha's acceptance of them
On Binara Full Moon Poya Day, devotees flock to temples for prayer and meditation, engaging in acts of piety like giving alms to monks and listening to sermons. The devout practitioners often wear simple white clothing and vow to abstain from meat, alcohol and other luxuries on this day. Pilgrims also climb the sacred mountains like Sri Pada and Mihintale, engaging in religious discussions and other wholesome activities. This day is a public holiday in Sri Lanka, allowing the people to fully immerse themselves in religious duties and communal activities.