Buddhists across the world mark the Medin Full Moon Poya Day today (March 24).

The Medin Full Moon Day marks the Buddha’s first visit to Kimbulwathpura (Kapilavastu)  at the invitation of his father King Suddhodana, following enlightenment.

Upon reaching Kapilavastu, some Sakyans who were conceited, made only young ones to pay obeisance and the Enlightened One. The Buddha in order to bring them down to earth, performed the yama maha pelahera, the twin miracles where a stream of water and fire from either side of his body was shown to appear at the same time. Seeing this miraculous occurrence, the Sakyans paid obeisance to the Buddha.

On Medin Poya, many Sri Lankans also pay homage to the Sri Pada, the sacred footprint of the Enlightened One.