January |
Duruthu Full Moon Poya Day
In celebration of the Buddha’s first visit to Sri Lanka a large festival is held at the Kelaniya Temple near Colombo.
Id-Ul-Ahla(Muslim) Hadji Festival Day
Tamil Thai Pongal Day
Hindus celebrate the first grains of the rice harvest. |
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February |
Navam Full Moon Poya Day
A large perahera is held with elephants, dancers and drummers at the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo.
Sri Lankan Independence Day (4th)
Celebrated with parades, dancing and national games.
Maha Sivaratri
In celebration of Siva performing his celestial dance of destruction, Hindus prepare feasts and hold fairs at Siva Temples island-wide. |
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March |
Medin Full Moon Poya Day
Commemorates the Buddha’s visit to his home to preach to his father and relatives. |
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April |
Bak
Full Moon Poya Day – commemorates the
second visit by the Buddha to Sri Lanka
Good Friday – Christian festival
day celebrated in Negombo.
Sinhala and Tamil New Year –
extended two-day holiday celebrated with rituals,
traditional games and fun-filled activities.
Milad-Un-Nabi – (Muslim) Holy
Prophet’s Birthday.
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May |
Vesak Full Moon Poya Day
Commemorates the triple anniversary of the Buddha’s Birth, Enlightenment and Death with a two-day holiday. Beautiful lanterns and lights are displayed in temples, shops and family homes while roadside stalls give out free food and drink. Vesak Poya also commemorates the Buddha’s third and final visit to Sri Lanka.
Labour Day (1st)
P
arades are held in Colombo |
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June |
Poson Full Moon Poya Day
Commemorates the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka in the third century BC. Special celebrations are held at Mihintale and Anuradhapura.
Bank Holiday (30th)
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