IN REMEMBRANCE OF THE BUDDHA

Buddhists celebrate Probarona Purnima that marks a three-month long solitude of Buddhist monks in their monasteries for self-realisation, purification and atonement.  One legend has it that after leaving his family in search of Truth, prince Gautam clipped some strands of his hair and threw them into the air, saying, if he was meant to achieve enlightenment, his hair would go skyward which it did. Buddhists believe it remains preserved in a temple in heaven. According to another legend, when Buddha was going to Tavatinsa Heaven for preaching his religion to his mother, he was shown the way by clolourful balloons that flew over his head. To commemorate the event, they fly balloons made of colourful paper illuminating the evening sky. They also prepare special dishes and share them with family and friends.