Sri Lanka

Welcome To Sri Lanka

Of course! Sri Lanka is a country with a rich cultural tapestry, and this is reflected in its diverse calendar of holidays. They can be divided into National Holidays and Public, Bank & Mercantile Holidays, which are often based on the four major religions: Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity.

Here is a comprehensive guide to the main holidays in Sri Lanka.

National Holidays

These three days are significant for the entire nation and commemorate important events in Sri Lanka’s modern history.

1. National Day (Independence Day)
   • Date: February 4
   • Significance: Celebrates Sri Lanka’s independence from British rule in 1948. The main celebration is a grand military parade and cultural performances in Colombo, presided over by the President.
2. May Day (International Workers’ Day)
   • Date: May 1
   • Significance: Celebrates the achievements of workers. Major political parties hold large rallies across the country.
3. Heroes’ Day (Remembrance Day)
   • Date: May 19 (observed on May 22 if it falls on a weekend)
   • Significance: Commemorates the end of the Sri Lankan Civil War in 2009. It is a day of remembrance for all armed forces personnel who died in the line of duty.

Major Public & Religious Holidays

These are the main religious festivals that are public holidays. Dates for many of these change every year as they are based on lunar calendars.

Buddhist Holidays

• Duruthu Poya Day (January): Commemorates the Buddha’s first visit to Sri Lanka.
• Navam Poya Day (February): Celebrates the appointment of the Buddha’s two chief disciples.
• Medin Poya Day (March): Marks the Buddha’s first visit to his father’s palace after his enlightenment.
• Bak Poya Day (April): Celebrates the Buddha’s second visit to Sri Lanka.
• Vesak Poya Day (Usually in May)
  • Significance: The most important Buddhist holiday. It commemorates the Birth, Enlightenment, and Passing Away (Parinirvana) of the Buddha.
  • Traditions: Homes and streets are decorated with lanterns (vesak koodu), pandals (large illustrated boards depicting Jataka tales) are erected, and free food and drinks (dansal) are offered to the public.
• Poson Poya Day (Usually in June)
  • Significance: Second only to Vesak. It celebrates the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka by Arahat Mahinda in the 3rd century BCE.
  • Traditions: Similar to Vesak but on a slightly smaller scale. Major celebrations occur in the ancient city of Anuradhapura and at Mihintale, where the meeting between King Devanampiyatissa and Arahat Mahinda took place.
• Esala Poya Day (July/August): Commemorates the Buddha’s first sermon and the beginning of the Kandy Esala Perahera, one of Sri Lanka’s most spectacular festivals.
  • Kandy Esala Perahera: A 10-day festival in Kandy featuring traditional dancers, drummers, and lavishly decorated elephants. The highlight is the procession of the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha.

Hindu Holidays

• Thai Pongal (January)
  • Significance: A harvest thanksgiving festival dedicated to the Sun God Surya.
  • Traditions: The cooking of a special rice dish called Pongal in a new pot, which is allowed to boil over as a symbol of prosperity.
• Maha Sivarathri (Usually February/March)
  • Significance: The “Great Night of Shiva,” dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva.
  • Traditions: Devotees observe fasting, night-long vigils, and offer prayers at Shiva temples.
• Deepavali (Diwali) (Usually October/November)
  • Significance: The Festival of Lights, celebrating the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
  • Traditions: Lighting oil lamps, setting off fireworks, sharing sweets, and wearing new clothes.

Muslim Holidays

• Eid al-Fitr (Hari Raya Puasa)
  • Significance: Marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting.
  • Traditions: Special prayers at mosques, feasting with family and friends, and giving of gifts and charity.
• Eid al-Adha (Hari Raya Haji)
  • Significance: The “Festival of Sacrifice,” commemorating the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son.
  • Traditions: Special prayers and the sacrificial offering of an animal, with the meat distributed to family, friends, and the poor.
• Mawlid (Milad un-Nabi)
  • Significance: Celebrates the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad.
  • Traditions: Religious gatherings, processions, and decorating mosques and homes.

Christian Holidays

• Good Friday (March/April)
  • Significance: Commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
  • Traditions: Church services, prayers, and a somber atmosphere. It’s a day of fasting and reflection.
• Christmas Day (December 25)
  • Significance: Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.
  • Traditions: Decorating homes and churches, exchanging gifts, and special meals. “Christmas stars” (lanterns) and Christmas trees are common sights.

Important Cultural Note: Poya Days

• Occurrence: Every full moon day is a public holiday in Sri Lanka.
• Significance: Each Poya day commemorates a significant event in the Buddha’s life. The most important are Vesak and Poson.
• Practical Info: On every Poya day, the sale of alcohol and fresh meat is prohibited by law. This can affect restaurants and supermarkets.

Summary for Travelers

• Best Festivals to Experience:
  • Vesak (May): For the beautiful and serene atmosphere of lanterns and lights.
  • Kandy Esala Perahera (July/August): For an unforgettable, vibrant, and cultural spectacle.
  • Poson (June): For a deeply religious experience, especially in Anuradhapura and Mihintale.
• Planning Your Trip: Be aware that during major holidays like Sinhala and Tamil New Year, the entire country travels. Transport and accommodation can be fully booked, and roads can be very congested.
• Respect: When visiting during religious holidays, dress modestly, especially near temples and places of worship.

This calendar gives you a wonderful insight into the spiritual and cultural heart of Sri Lanka. Enjoy your exploration