Poson Full Moon Poya Day falls today, with Sri Lankan Buddhists across the island performing material and practical offerings with deep devotion.

This historic festival commemorates the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka during the third century BC, an event second in importance for Buddhists only to Vesak.

The celebrations focus primarily on Mihintale, the ancient monastery complex where Arahat Mahinda Thera delivered the first Dhamma sermon to the ruling king.

Devotees also gather in large numbers at the ancient capital of Anuradhapura to mark the occasion over 2,000 years ago when King Devanampiyatissa embraced Buddhism from Arahat Mahinda Thera, the son of India's Emperor Ashoka.

This pivotal event, driven by the glorious Mahindagamanaya during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa, illuminated the entire nation, steering the social, cultural, religious, and spiritual development of Sri Lankan society.

Since that historical milestone, millions of devotees continue to honour Arahat Mahinda Thera on this day, transferring merit and engaging in traditional religious observances.