Esala Perahera in July/August in Kandy. The most important festival of the year extending over 10 days, climaxing on the Nikini full moon. This great procession – elephants extravagantly decorated, Kandyan dancers, fire walkers, spinning plates- honours the Sacred Tooth Relic of Kandy. The best parades are during the final 3 days. The crowds can be huge and queueing will start during the day for evening events which might frustrate young children and impatient travelers alike. Helga’s Folly is just a short stroll away from the parades.
Duruthu Perahera held on Poya day in January. This festival in Colombo celebrates Buddha’s first visit to Sri Lanka.
National day : Feb 4 celebrates Sri Lanka’s Independence
Easter : Christian Passion Prayer performed near Negombo
APRIL 13th & 14th
Sinhala and Tamil New Year The two main ethnic groups in Sri Lanka, the Sinhalese and the Tamils celebrate a common traditional New Year in the month of April originally harvesting thanks giving. This marks the passage of the sun from Pisces to Aries. Traditional customs are observed on this day with merrymaking and fun and games and lavish hospitality.
Deepavali – Hindu festival of lights in Oct/Nov. Thousands of flickering oil lamps celebrate the victory of good over evil and the return of Rama. The Tea country will see the most colourful celebrations as the pickers are granted holiday from the fields
MAY 15th & 16th
Vesak Full Moon Vesak is a thrice blessed day for Buddhists throughout the world. It commemorates the birth of Prince Siddhartha, his attaining enlightenment and passing away into Nibbana as Gauthama Buddha. It is a day of great sanctity devoted to religious observances and charity. The day is also celebrated with festivity with numerous colourful decorations and illuminations, pandals and pageants. Wayside stalls distribute food and refreshments to the pilgrims and passers by. .
Tamil Thai Pongal Day - Tamil New Year in early/mid January. Nuwara Eliya and the Hill Country will be alive with family parties and Horse Racing
Christmas Day & New Year - Christian events are celebrated with equal enthusiam within the hotels, eg banquets, fire works, discos. The focus of the local people will be ensuring that the tourists have a wonderful time.
