Vap Full Moon Poya commemorates the Buddha's seventh year after Enlightenment, when he preached the Abhidhamma in Tavatimsa Heaven to his mother and later descended at Sankassapura. It also marks the end of the Rainy Retreat and the beginning of the Kathina robe-offering tradition, which continues in Sri Lanka today.

When is Vap Full Moon Poya Day?

Vap Full Moon Poya Day is celebrated on the full moon day in October.

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

The History of Vap Full Moon Poya Day?

The Buddha established the Vassana (Rainy Season Retreat), a three-month period during which monks stayed in one place for meditation and teaching. This retreat ended in October (Vap month).

Afterward, the lay community performed the Kathina Pinkama ceremony: offering new robes (Kathina Cheevara) and requisites to the Sangha, and strengthening ties between lay devotees and monks.

This tradition, beginning in the Buddha's time, continues in Sri Lanka to this day and is considered one of the most meritorious acts.

Vap Poya also commemorates the Buddha's seventh year after Enlightenment, when he ascended to Tavatimsa Heaven.

His purpose was to repay gratitude to his mother, Queen Māyā Devi, who had passed away seven days after his birth and was reborn as a celestial being.

There, he preached the Abhidhamma (higher teachings) to her and the assembled devas. This event underscores the Buddha's deep sense of gratitude and filial piety.

After spending three months in Tavatimsa, the Buddha descended back to Earth at Sankassapura.

According to tradition, devas, brahmas, and humans all gathered to welcome him. This descent symbolizes the unity of heaven and earth through the Dhamma.