The story of lanterns & pandals

Lanterns made in different shapes and multi-colours are hung in almost every temple and in every Buddhist home. Colombo becomes a veritable city of lights, while people throng the city view the Vesak pandals in and around Colombo.

Buildings are often gaily decorated with multi-colured bulbs giving the city a festive atmosphere. Children enjoy this time of year viewing the gaily decorated city.

Light was used as a means of veneration since it is symbolic of dispelling ignorance, a symbol of enlightenment and in keeping with this view, that lights and pahan are lit up almost everywhere.

As for pandals, many of them depict the Buddha's life. The aim of a pandal is to spread the message of the Buddha far and wide.

The depiction of Jataka stories on the pandal is a means of teaching and enlightening the people about Buddhism and the Buddha's lifestyle. - Internet