Navam Full Moon Poya commemorates the Buddha's appointment of his chief disciples Sariputta and Moggallana, and the establishment of the Vinaya (monastic code). In Sri Lanka, it is marked by religious observances and the grand Navam Perahera at Kelaniya temple, a spectacular cultural procession with monks, dancers, drummers and decorated elephants.

When is Navam Full Moon Poya Day?

Navam Full Moon Poya Day is observed on the full moon day of February each year.

The following is the list of Navam Full Moon Poya Day.

The History of Navam Full Moon Poya Day?

On a Navam Full Moon Poya, the Buddha appointed Ven. Sariputta (Sāriputta Thera) and Ven. Moggallana (Mahā Moggallāna Thera) as his two chief disciples.

Sariputta was known for his great wisdom (foremost in wisdom). Moggallana was recognized for his deep meditative abilities and spiritual powers (foremost in psychic powers).

Their leadership strengthened the Buddha's mission and helped spread his teachings.

Navam Poya is also linked to the first great assembly of monks, which brought together 1,250 Arahants who had been personally ordained by the Buddha.

Another tradition states that the Buddha used this occasion to lay down the Vinaya (monastic disciplinary code). The Vinaya became the foundation for ethical conduct and order in the Buddhist Sangha, ensuring discipline and unity.

With the Sangha organized and led by chief disciples, Buddhism spread more effectively throughout India and later across Asia. Navam Poya thus marks a turning point from the early teachings of the Buddha to the structured growth of Buddhism as a global religion.