Navam Full Moon Poya is marked as a public holiday in Sri Lanka.
This poya day is usually celebrated on the first full moon in February, though in some years it can take place in late January.
This full moon has special significance for Buddhists in Sri Lanka as it marks two important events.
The first commemorates the appointment of Sariputta (Sariyuth) and Moggallana (Mugalan) as the first two chief disciples (Aggasavakes) of Gautama Buddha.
Navam Poya also commemorates the first-ever Buddhist Council, held three months after the death of the Buddha. It was here where the Vinaya (the code of fundamental ethics for Buddhist monks) was proclaimed based on the teachings that the Buddha had passed onto his disciples.
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