Festivals

The bright, vibrant and colourful aspects of the Sri Lankan culture and society find a fitting manifestation in form of the festivals and ceremony.

Religious Festivals

Buddhist Festivals:
Being the main religious faith in Sri Lanka, the Buddhist festivals finds a prominent mention here. The full moon day of each month, called Poya day, is a day of religious observance for the Buddhists. The main Poya days are Duruthu (January), Vesak (May), Poson (June), Esala (August) and Unduvap (December).

Muslim Festival:
The noteworthy Muslim festivals include the Milad-un-Nabi (the birth of the Prophet Mohammed) in December, Id-ul-Fitr marking the end of the holy fasting during the month of Ramadan and the Haj festival.

Hindu Festivals:
The Hindus in Sri Lanka mainly celebrate Diwali, Pongal and Vel. All of them are observed with pomp and gaiety.

Christian Festivals
The main celebrations are Christmas and Easter where people flock to the churches to offer prayer.

National and Seasonal Events

Independence Day
February 4th every year sees the nation celebrating its Independence Day.

Traditional New Year
This fiesta falls in the month of April that marks the advent of a new year.

Kite Festival
The Colombo seashore witnesses the colourful and various sized kites being flown across during this festival.