July - August |
Esala Full Moon Poya Day – celebrated in late July/early August by the Kandy Perahera, the most spectacular of Sri Lanka’s festivals. In honour of the sacred Tooth of the Buddha, this 10-day pageant features a grand procession of drummers, dancers, acrobats, trumpeters, whip-crackers,
Torch-bearers and elephants that thousands of devotees flock to see.
Nikini Full Moon Poya Day – celebrations are held at Bellanwila in Colombo.
Vel – Hindu Festival where the ceremonial chariot of Skanda, god of war, is driven between Pettah and Bambalapitiya or Wellawatte temples in Colombo.
Kataragama Festival – starts at the culmination of the Kandy perahera and consists of mainly Hindu devotees putting themselves through ritual acts of masochism such as walking on hot coals in devotion to the god Kataragama. (Not a public holiday) |
| |
|
September |
Binara Full Moon Poya Day – commemorates the Buddha’s first visit to heaven to preach to his mother. A perahera is held in Badulla |
| |
|
October |
Vap Full Moon Poya Day – commemorates the conclusion of the Buddha’s teaching in the heavenly realm.
Deepavali Festival of Lights – Hindu Festival in celebration of the return of the Indian prince Rama after 14 years in exile.
Id-Ul-Fitr – (Muslim) Ramazan Festival Day. |
| |
|
November |
Full Moon Poya Day |
| |
|
December |
Unduvap Full Moon Poya Day – celebrates the arrival of the sacred Bo-tree sapling from India with special celebrations in Anuradhapura, Colombo and Bentota.
Christmas Day (25th) – Christian celebration of Jesus Christ’s Birth.
Special Bank Holiday (31st) |
