Being a multicultural nation, the island embraces its diversity by celebrating a whole host of colourful festivals. Celebrated by different ethnicities, these events embody the fact that the country is not racially biased and people of different cultural backgrounds live in absolute harmony as one resilient nation.
Here is a list of festivals celebrated in the island annually
Full moon days (Poya)
The day of the full moon is considered a public holiday in the country. The full moon days have been considered as an auspicious day by Buddhist and since the nation predominantly consists of a Buddhist population, Poya days are declared as public holidays.
Thai Pongal – 15th January
This is a Hindu festival that is celebrated to offer regards to the sun god, farmers and their cattle for offering nourishment for the entirety of the world.
Independence day – 4th of February
Sri Lanka became an independent nation from being a British colony on February 4th 1948 and the day is commemorated as the independence day ever since. During this time the national flag will be hoisted around the country at residences as well as private and government establishments throughout the nation and the festivities can be observed around the country.
Maha Sivarathri – 21st February
This is also a Hindu festival celebrated in honour of lord shiva – the destroyer. Festivities around Tamil households and Hindu temples can be observed during this day.
Sinhala and Tamil New year 13th and 14th
Being a bi-ethnic festival, on this day Tamils and Sinhalese come together to celebrate their traditional new year. This festival is celebrated with rituals, sweetmeats, new clothes and vibrant colours.
Easter April 12th
Also, know as the resurrection day, Easter is celebrated around the island by Christians to commemorate the day Lord Jesus was resurrected from his grave.
Vesak – usually falls on May but the dates may vary
This is a celebration held to commemorate lord buddha’s three significant milestones in his life – birth, enlightenment and nirvana. During this time the whole country comes to life embellished in vibrant lanterns and pandals lit up in different colours and shapes. The festival also emphasises on empathy and the simple act of giving. During the time of this festival, people get together and offer food and supplies for the needy.
Poson – Usually takes place during June but the dates may vary
This too is a significant day for the Buddhists and the festivities observed during this festival is more similar to Vesak. What differentiates this from the latter is the fact as to why it is being celebrated. The day of Poson is regarded as the day on which the concept of Buddhism was preached to king Devanampiyatissa by lord buddha’s disciple, Mahinda.
Esala Perahera (August)
Also regarded as the festival of the sacred relic, it is hosted to pay homage to the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha by talking it on a procession through the city of Kandy. What is more significant during the festival is that the procession includes drummers and a host of other musicians orchestrating lively music to which dancers perform rhythmically showing off their graceful moves. The major draw of this event are elephants that are ornately adorned in vibrant clothing and serial lights. The event is indeed a feast for your senses.
Diwali – Takes place between October and November but the dates may vary
This festival is celebrated by Hindus of Sri Lanka commemorating Lord Vishnu’s victory over a demon king. The festival is observed with sweetmeats rituals and lots and lots of firecrackers.
Eid al-Adha (dates differ annually and are decided by the lunar calendar)
Known as Eid Qurban or Eid al-Adha, the festival symbolises sacrifice. Being the second of the two Islamic festivals it commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim sacrificing his son for the command of God.
Ramadan (dates differ annually and are decided by the lunar calendar)
Followed by a month of fasting, this festival emphasises the value of practising empathy towards otherworldly beings and the importance of spiritual devotion. The festival usually takes place as per the lunar calendar and the dates may differ year to year.
Christmas (December 24th)
During December, the city of Colombo along with many major cities on the island lights up with festivities to commemorate the birth of Jesus.
