Festivals in Sri Lanka

Main Menu

Home

Sri Lanka's deep-rooted and ancient civilization endows the island with a legacy of colourful national and religious festivals. Hardly a month goes by without a unique national or religious celebration of diverse cultures and religions, celebrated with the flair of people with a genius for pageantry and ceremony. Some of the more prominent Sri Lankan holidays, Festivals and celebrations are:

November 8 - Deepavali

Deepawali or Diwali is a festival of lights symbolising the victory of righteousness and the lifting of spiritual darkness. The word `Deepawali' literally means rows of clay lamps.

October 13 - Id Ul Fitr

Id-Ul-Fitr (Ramazan Festival Day)

August 07 - August 17 - Esala Perahera (Kandy)

Esala Perahera This is a month of religious celebrations in many parts of the Island. Colourful processions are held for several nights in Kandy, Kataragama, Devinuvara and Kotte among several other places. The biggest festival of all is the Festival of the August Moon or Kandy Perahera held in Kandy where a spectacular medieval day pageant is held for 10 nights climaxing with the Kandyan dancers and drummers in colourful traditional costumes. Kandyan Chieftains in medieval court dress, more than one hundred caparisoned elephants whip crackers, torch bearers etc., make it an unforgettable experience.

Dates of the Kandy Perahera - 2008

07th August to 11th August 2008 - Kumbal Perahera

12th to 16th August 2008 - Randoli Perahera

16th August 2008 - Maha Perahera

17th August 2008 - Day Perahera

July 26 - August 10 - Kataragama

Kataragama in the South-East corner of the island is a jungle shrine dedicated to God Skanda and is a popular pilgrim centre for Buddhists and Hindus. The main event at Kataragama is the perahera or the procession held for two weeks in July/August every year culminating with an awe inspiring 'fire walking' ceremony. Fire walking is considered a sacred duty by the devout followers.

June 30 - Poson Full Moon Day

Poson, the full-moon festival commemorates the advent of Buddhism to Sri Lanka (3rd century B.C.), the day is celebrated with religious observances. The centre of festivities is at Mihintale (about 10km) from Anuradhapura where the Buddhist doctrine was first preached by Arahat Mahinda, son of the great Emperor Asoka of India. Apart from religious festivals there are illuminations and decorations and processions in various parts of the island.

More Articles...

<< Start < Prev 1 2 3 Next > End >>

Page 1 of 3