Known as the ‘festival of light’, Vesak is one of Sri Lanka’s most spectacular festivals, commemorating the birth, enlightenment and passing of Buddha. People hang colourful lanterns along the streets and in front of their homes, and there are massive ‘pandals’ (illuminated story boards of the Buddha’s life) erected in public spaces.

Nilantha manjula Nammuni arachchi lives in Nelson, and built this large-scale lantern to showcase his culture.

There's a recent article in The Nelson Mail about the Vesak Lantern.