Poya days hold an extremely important place in Buddhist beliefs. The celebration of the holiday is determined by the lunar calendar and is inextricably linked to the full moon. This is what defines the holidays that occur once a month.
As 12 days of Poya are celebrated throughout the year , each holiday is dedicated to one specific event in the life of the Buddha. The people of Sri Lanka are very involved in celebrating these events - Poya is considered a civil and state holiday, and the celebrations themselves take place by participating in religious ceremonies.
What are Poya celebrations like in Sri Lanka?
Poya is a day off from work, so Sri Lankans can fully devote themselves not only to celebrating the holiday, but also to spending time with their loved ones. On this day , numerous pilgrimages to places of religious worship take place, and sometimes entire families participate in them. In temples, believers offer gifts of flowers, light oil lamps and incense sticks .
In Buddhist monasteries , modest clothes must be worn that cover the shoulders and knees, which is why Sri Lankans wear white and flowing clothes on the day of the holiday.
It is also worth mentioning the Bodhi Tree, where believers meditate and pray with great concentration. This is a special place for Buddhists because it was under this tree that Buddha Shakyamuni achieved enlightenment.
Poya festival and tourists
If you are planning to visit and explore Sri Lanka during Poya celebrations, here are some important things to remember:
- Tourists are obliged to respect local customs.
- The law prohibits the sale of alcohol on Poya days. This prohibition applies, among others, to: in restaurants, bars and hotels (even if you buy the all inclusive option).
- You should go to temples in non-transparent clothes that cover your shoulders and knees .
- It is strictly forbidden to photograph the Buddha and pose against the background of temples and religious buildings.
Esala Poya
These are one of the most colorful celebrations associated with Poya days, and are dedicated to honoring the Buddha's tooth relic and honoring four deities - Vishnu, Kataragama, Nata and Pattini . The festival takes place at the turn of July and August and lasts for almost two weeks. During this period, huge processions pass through the city of Kandy in the evenings , attended by, among others, dancers, fire eaters and… elephants dressed in colorful fabrics!
The procession itself not only looks spectacular, but also has a deeper and slightly magical dimension . The procession that takes place in honor of Buddha's tooth represents rain, which, according to ancient beliefs, was supposed to check the abundance in nature. People at the head of the procession imitate lightning strikes with whips, sparkling lanterns symbolize lightning, and elephants represent rain-heavy clouds.
Oriental tea collection by Basilur
Oriental Collection draws heavily on the culture of the Orient - not only in terms of the selection of flavors and aromas, but also in the appearance of the packaging. The shape of the metal cans in which the tea leaves are closed resembles a crescent moon. In addition, their appearance has been enriched with oriental-style grooves, which are characterized by a wealth of colors and a large number of layers and details . The combination of these elements creates an image that attracts attention.
Masala Chai
It takes you on a journey full of taste sensations to the Far East!
It is a perfect combination of the deep and expressive character of black Ceylon tea with cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and pepper. The additives give the tea a spicy scent and a noticeable spiciness that lingers on the tongue.
Moroccan Mint
It delights with its fresh taste and aroma!
The combination of young Ceylon green tea leaves with peppermint leaves creates an infusion that quenches thirst even in the worst heat. The mild essence of tea leaves is emphasized by the addition of an invigorating mint flavor.
Orient Delight
This is premium tea!
Due to its status, it is produced in smaller quantities and is more expensive than other varieties.
It consists of the most delicate Ceylon black tea leaves plucked from the upper parts of the bush, which are mixed with the youngest, undeveloped buds (golden tips).
Caramel Dream
This is a tea awarded in the prestigious Great Taste 2021 competition!
The deep flavor extracted from carefully selected Ceylon black tea leaves has been enriched with a distinct range of caramel notes, with accents of toffee , vanilla and cream .
Magic Nights
Inspired by the mystical atmosphere taken from the fairy tale One Thousand and One Nights!
The combination of black Ceylon tea with cornflower, blue mallow, cranberries, strawberries, apricots, pineapple and papaya will steal the hearts of lovers of sweet, fruity flavors and aromas.
Persian Earl Grey
Classic Earl Gray tea with an oriental twist!
The composition brews to a beautiful dark red color and emits a mild, citrus aroma. The taste of the tea will certainly charm fans of English-style infusions - it has a velvety character, diversified by the sour notes of bergamot.
Frosty Afternoon
With the addition of ice cubes, it guarantees immediate refreshment!
The classic taste of black Ceylon tea is deliciously combined with the addition of passion fruit and orange aromas, which give it a slightly sour character and a pleasant, citrus scent.
White Moon
A unique and intriguing essence inspired by the ancient Chinese tradition!
White Moon is a combination of two varieties of leaves - green tea and milk oolong tea . Their subtle, plant bouquet has been enhanced by the addition of milk aroma, which gives the whole thing a completely new dimension. The tea acquires a smooth, sweet and buttery taste and a creamy texture.
Green Valley
A composition worthy of the emperor himself!
Young Ceylon green tea leaves are not subjected to invasive processing, so they retain a refreshing taste without bitterness . The light essence has plant and floral notes.
Golden Crescent
It is the essence of the tea tradition!
After brewing, it turns brown, emits a strong aroma and is characterized by a complex taste, in which deep notes intertwine with subtle bitterness.
