Festivals & Traditions
Many of the festivals are based on the Buddhist lunar calendar, and each one has a unique meaning for the residents. One of the advantages of travelling with us is that we have direct experience with these events and can give real insight into the customs and activities that take place.
Here’s a rundown of what to anticipate in Sri Lanka throughout the year.
Festivals in Sri Lanka highlight the country’s culture and faiths, as well as its rich legacy and wonderful customs.
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Sinhala and Tamil New Year
Every year, in mid-April, the entire country is wrapped in a joyous atmosphere to commemorate the Lunar New Year. The Sinhala and Tamil New Year, among other holidays in Sri Lanka, this is notably celebrated with great pomp and show to commemorate the conclusion of the harvest season and the beginning of spring. People are preoccupied with cleaning and decorating their houses, making traditional sweets, eating dinners with their families, and showing off their new attire. To add to the enjoyment, the celebrations include anointing youngsters with herbal oils, igniting firecrackers, and organising competitive activities.
Vesak Poya
Vesak Poya is one of Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist holidays, commemorating three significant events in Buddha’s life: his birth, enlightenment, and nirvana. Celebrations begin on a full moon day and last up to a week, lighting every home, street, and store with the magnificent light of multicoloured lanterns called Vesak kudu, which symbolise Buddha’s light. Cities such as Colombo and Kandy dazzle with lit-up pandals showing intricate panels from the Jataka legends, while small clay lamps illuminate villages across Sri Lanka’s Vesak festival celebrations.
The Esala Perahera
The Festival of the Tooth or mostly known The Esala Maha Perahera, one of the most important religious holidays in Sri Lanka, pays honour to the precious tooth relic of Buddha, which is housed at the famed Temple of Tooth in Kandy, and the four ‘guardian’ Gods Natha, Vishnu, Kataragama, and Goddess Pattini. Every day for about 10 days, a stunning procession of traditional dancers, drummers, and elephants dressed in exquisite finery parades through the streets of the city. The last night’s excitement, fervour, and celebrations must be seen to be believed. It is highly recommended that you secure a seat in advance to fully appreciate the show.
Maha Shivarathri
A Hindu festival held in late February or early March, honouring the marriage of Shiva and Parvati. Prayers are held all night, in addition to private celebrations and temple gatherings. While meditation practises are one sort of celebration, some temples also host concerts and dance performances to add to the festive atmosphere.
Pada Yatra Pilgrimage
From June to July, thousands of pilgrims travel from Jaffna in the north to Kataragama in the south as part of the Pada Yatra pilgrimage. This incredible spiritual trip takes you through a variety of settings, including the magnificent eastern coast of Sri Lanka and the Yala National Park.
Vel Festival
The most important Hindu festival celebrating Skandha, the Hindu deity of battle. Processions and festivities celebrate the triumph of good over evil, and the trident, sometimes known as the Vel, is revered.
Thai Pongal
Thai Pongal is commemorated on the first day of the tenth month of the Tamil calendar (Mid-January). Thai Pongal is celebrated to thank Surya, the Rain God Indra, and the livestock for a bountiful crop. Using rice paste or powder, kolams or Rangolis are drawn in front of the dwellings. Rice, jaggery, and milk are used to prepare the initial harvest from the paddy fields. When the boiling preparation is turned over, it is claimed to set the course of luck for the rest of the year.
Poson Poya
This festival held on the full moon day of June, also known as Poson Poya, is the second most prominent among Buddhist holidays held in Sri Lanka. Poson Festival is also historically significant since it marks the arrival of Buddhism on the island in the third century. The celebrations, like Vesak, involve lanterns, pandals, and alms-stalls around the island in the genuine spirit of Buddhist customs and teachings. The most elaborate celebrations take place in and around the Mihintale rock outcrop, where Buddha’s disciple Mahinda first expounded Buddhist principles to King Devanampiyatissa. Attend Poson because it is Sri Lanka’s most significant celebration.
Kataragama Festival
Thousands of pilgrims of all faiths gather to the ancient village of Kataragama in south Sri Lanka in July/August to fulfil vows and seek advice from Lord Kataragama.
The Nallur Festival
A 25-day festival held in July/August at Jaffna’s Kandaswamy Temple, with thousands of devotees dressed in white and ladies dressed in their finest sarees.
