In Sri Lanka, “Dansel” refers to a community or privately organized event where free food is distributed to anyone, regardless of status. This practice is especially prominent during Vesak and is a significant cultural and religious tradition. Individuals, communities, and organizations organize these events to embody the Buddhist virtue of generosity. In this article, we search whether similar events are happening in other Buddhist countries, such as Vesak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Social Media Posts <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Sri Lanka is the only country in the world where everyone receives free unlimited food during Vesak, an event known as ” Dansel.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n FB<\/a> | Archived<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n We decided to do a fact check to see if Sri Lanka is the only country in the world that provides free food to lay people in Vesak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fact Check <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Vesak, also known as Buddha Purnima, is a significant religious festival that commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha. The celebration dates vary across countries, typically in April, May, or June. The tradition of offering food during Vesak exists in several Buddhist-majority countries, though the scale and specific customs differ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thailand<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Thailand celebrates Vesak in May, and the Buddhist population is around 90%. Thai people engage in various religious activities such as visiting temples, offering flowers to Buddha, and giving alms to monks. Additionally, food is distributed in almshouses, which faithful Buddhists, companies, and communities set up. These almshouses provide free meals to everyone, not just during Vesak but on other special occasions as well. Fact Crescendo Thailand team confirmed these details. Details about such an almshouse established in the Covid period can be read here<\/a>. A Video about providing food can be watched here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Below is another video of food being provided to lay people on Vesak (Thai people celebrated it on May 22 this year).<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/srilanka.factcrescendo.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-64.png\")
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