Yapa Bandara, the founding president of the Wagga Aus-Sri Lankan Cultural Association, said the day honoured three major events. 

“It generally happens on the full moon day of May,” he said.

“Buddha was born on this day, he attained enlightenment on the same date and he passed away on the same date again.

“People get together and go to the temple and observe what the Buddha has taught.” 

Mr Bandara said the community is trying to build a strong connection between Buddhists in Wagga.

“Every country celebrates it a little differently,” he said.

“So we thought we would try it here and try to make that connection and to try and make something unique here for our community.” 

The event is designed to be inclusive with everyone in the community invited along. 

“Irrespective of their race or religion they are invited to participle to see the message we try to deliver,” he said.

“It’s about peace and harmony and the compassion that we extend to everybody.” 

One of the traditional aspects of the holiday is the display of colourful lanterns made in different shapes, Mr Bandara explained.  

“This is a major aspect of the way Sri Lanka celebrates it,” he said. 

“It’s beautiful to watch with the different colours that light up the sky.” 

To honour Vesak Day, the Wagga Buddhist community are hosting an event on Sunday May 27, at 5pm at the Senior Citizen’s Building.

The event will include their version of the famous Vesak Lantern Display.  The event is free and the general public is welcome.