Nikini Full Moon Poya

Nikini Full Moon Poya is a public holiday celebrated in Sri Lanka on the full moon day of Nikini, the ninth month in the Sinhalese calendar, which usually falls in August. This day is one of the most important Buddhist holidays in Sri Lanka, and it is observed every full moon for the cleansing of the mind and restoration of peace and joy. The Buddhists use the Lunar calendar for religious observances, bringing the total Poyas per year to 13 or sometimes 14. On these days, shops and businesses are closed, and the consumption of alcohol and meat is forbidden. The day is marked with religious observances, including visiting temples, offering flowers, lighting lamps, and listening to sermons.