Being a culturally diversified country having four major religions, Sri Lanka is a land of vibrant festivals and colorful celebrations which represents its history and traditions.
Vesak Poya (Buddhists)
This is celebrated in the month of May to commemorate the the birth, enlightenment (Nibbāna), and death (Parinirvāna) of Gautama Buddha which is celebrated by all the Buddhists around the country. (Buddhists)
Poson Poya (Buddhists)
In the month of June Buddhists celebrate the arrival of Buddhism to Sri Lanka and is celebrated all around the country by Buddhists but mainly in the city of Mihintale where the Mihintale rock is located when Buddhism was first introduced to King Devanampiyatissa by Buddhist Monk Mahinda.
Kandy Esala Perahera (Procession) (Buddhists)
On Esala poya day in July Buddhists celebrate the arrival of the Buddha tooth relic to the famous Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. This is one of the vibrant festivals in Sri Lanka lasting for a week everyday having Dancers, Dressed Elephants, Musicians rituals and more. (Buddhists)
Maha Shivarathri the festival of Shiva (Hindus)
Maha Shivarathri is the celebration of Hindu god “Shiva”. Festivities take place in June in the Hindu Shiva temples around the island. Devotees take a purification bath at dawn and fast all day. Many of them take part in mediation rituals with the help of the Panchakshara mantra “Om Nama Shivaya“. Shiva statues are also bathed in milk and honey and covered in red vermillion to represent purification of the soul. Some temples, like Sri Kaileshwarar temple in Colombo, have dance and music performances as part of the celebrations.
Deepavali/Diwali (Hindus)
Deepavali is the Hindu festival of Lights which is celebrated for five days usually in the month of October or November represents the Lord Rama’s defeat of King Ravana. Homes are decorated with clay lamps and lights and all the streets and buildings are illuminated in celebration. In last day of the festival, devotees will wear new clothes and give each other gifts together with sweets.
Sinhala and Tamil New Year (Sinhalese and Tamils)
The Sinhala and Tamil New Year marks the beginning of the Lunar year. It usually takes place sometime in April. Festivities are colorful and fun all around the island. Just like the Poya holidays, all formal or government businesses close and the island takes on a relaxed festive state. This is a festival celebrated by the entire population. Sri Lankans love friendly competitive games and the New Year is when you will find these kinds of games happening everywhere.
Ramadan and Eid (Muslims)
Eid is the usually celebrated in the months of April and May whereas all the Muslims coming together and feasting after breaking the Ramadan month of cleansing and fasting which is observed for a month.
Christmas (Christians)
Even though only about 20% or less of the population in Sri Lanka is Christian, Christmas is still a big celebration on the island. Every mall, store, business and bakery is colorfully decorated with trees, lights and garlands. Religious places or businesses owned by Christians, will have nativity scenes. All big hotels serve Christmas dinner on the 24th.
We are waiting for you to come and enjoy the festivities and celebrations which happen throughout the year!
At Concord we like to party like no other!