The Public Health Inspectors (PHI’s) Union of Sri Lanka says that around 8,355 ‘Dansalas’ have been registered islandwide for the Esala Poya festival.

Secretary of the Union – Chamil Muthukuda, stated that all organizers have been instructed to conduct these ‘Dansal’ in a hygienic manner.

Inspections of these ‘Dansal’ are to be carried out throughout the day today (July 10) with nearly 2,000 PHI deployed for this purpose.

Today (July 10) marks Esala Full Moon Poya Day, a significant day in the Buddhist calendar.

This day commemorates several key events in the life of the Buddha and the history of Buddhism.

On this day, Prince Siddhartha renounced his royal life to become an ascetic in search of liberation from suffering.

It was also on an Esala Full Moon Poya Day that the Buddha delivered his first sermon, the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, setting the Wheel of Dhamma in motion.

Other notable events on this day include the conception of Prince Siddhartha and the Buddha’s visit to Thusitha Heaven to preach to his mother.

The first Buddhist Council was also held on an Esala Poya Day, as was the birth of Prince Rahula.

In Sri Lanka, Esala Poya is particularly notable for the first local ordination of a Sri Lankan, Prince Arittha, under Arahant Mahinda following the introduction of Buddhism.

Additionally, the foundation for the celebrated Mahastupa (Ruwanvelisaya) was laid and its relics enshrined by King Dutugemunu on this day.

Sri Lankan Buddhists honor Esala Poya with ceremonies and festivals, including the famous Kandy Esala Perahera.

The day also marks the start of the annual rain retreat for monks, known as ‘Vas,’ beginning the day after Esala Poya.

Several spells of showers will occur in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts today (July 10), the Department of Meteorology said.

A few showers may occur in the North-western province.

Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Uva and Eastern provinces and in Mullaittivu district during the afternoon or night.

Fairly strong winds of about 30-40 kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the central hills and in Southern province.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.