Ill Full Moon Poya commemorates the Buddha's sending forth of 60 disciples to spread the Dhamma, marking the beginning of missionary Buddhism. It also recalls the inclusion of Sariputta and Moggallana's followers into the Sangha.

When is Ill Full Moon Poya Day?

Ill Full Moon Poya Day is celebrated on the full moon day in November.

The following is the list of Ill Full Moon Poya Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Ill Full Moon Poya Day?

Shortly after his Enlightenment, the Buddha gathered his disciples. On an Ill Full Moon Poya, he instructed 60 newly enlightened Arahants to go in different directions and spread the Dhamma.

This marks the first organized missionary activity in Buddhism, laying the foundation for its spread across India and eventually the world.

Ill Poya is also associated with the acceptance of Ven. Sariputta and Ven. Moggallana's followers into the Sangha. Both disciples were chief among the Buddha's followers — Sariputta for wisdom and Moggallana for spiritual powers. Their entry and the inclusion of their students greatly strengthened the Sangha.

With the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BCE (by Arahat Mahinda), Ill Poya became part of the island's sacred calendar.